NEWS RELEASE
Thursday 16th September 2004
Manufacturing Advisory Service can boost productivity - STUC The STUC today welcomed Jim Wallace's announcement today outlining his intention to establish a Manufacturing Advisory Service in Scotland to provide hands-on advice to SMEs.
Stephen Boyd, STUC Assistant Secretary said,
"The STUC is delighted by the Minister's announcement. The Manufacturing Advisory Service in England and Wales has delivered real gains in productivity. Scottish manufacturing continues to perform poorly relative to the UK and therefore it is great news that Scottish manufacturers will now benefit from MAS support.
"It is, of course, essential that trade unions are regarded as a key partner in the delivery of this initiative which seeks to facilitate organisational and cultural change. Evidence shows partnership- based approaches involving trade unions improve employment relations and boost productivity.
"We are hopeful, with proper workforce engagement, the new service will secure Scottish manufacturing jobs for the long term."
ENDS
For further details, contact
Stephen Boyd: