Government urges Sheffield manufacturers to keep working for the good of the nation

Business secretary Alok Sharma sent a letter to the Company of Cutlers stating that there is no restriction on manufacturing due to its importance to the nation.

The UK has been on lockdown since March 23 with thousands of businesses temporarily closed. But many manufacturers have kept operating and some have switched to making products to combat Covid-19.

Mr Sharma’s letter clarifies the government’s position.

The letter states: ‘At this unprecedented time for the UK I want to pay tribute to you for the work you are doing to keep the UK economy going.

‘As you know, the Government’s priority is saving lives and we have advised that where possible, people should stay at home and work from home.

‘However, our country needs your support to keep supply chains moving and key workers mobile, as well as to protect the economy as much as possible. Every business has a role to play in helping the country defeat coronavirus.

‘Manufacturing is a critical part of our economy and I would like to be clear that there is no restriction on manufacturing continuing under the current rules.’

Good practice on hand-washing and social distancing ‘where possible’ remained important, he added.

The historic Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire has 400 members and ‘Freemen’ working at manufacturing businesses in Sheffield City Region.

Master Cutler Nicholas Williams welcomed the letter and hailed manufacturing firms keen to help the national effort.

He added: “Our freemen are saying, ‘we have got the kit and the skills, what do you want us to do?’ They are desperate to play a part.

“I think manufacturing will lead us out of this crisis. We will step up and be in the vanguard. We will be making things to get us going again.

“When the challenge comes I’m confident this country will respond positively.”

Steelmakers still operating include casting company William Cook in Sheffield.

Boss Sir Andrew Cook said: “Yes, let’s have a clap for the NHS but let’s have another for those heroes of the private sector who are still working in factories and creating the wealth that keeps the country going.

“Cheer them as they drive along the deserted roads late at night and in the small hours. Give them extra commuter buses and trains. Help them do their jobs, because without them, there will be another crisis to follow: an economic crisis and this one could be irreversible.”

In his letter Mr Sharma, the secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy, said manufacturers were already playing a direct role in combating Covid-19.

He wrote: ‘Many across aerospace, chemical, automotive, steel, aluminium, pharmaceutical, packaging and other sectors, including those providing essential services and materials, have answered the call to action and are playing a direct role in combating COVID-19 by producing the material we need to fight the spread of the virus.

‘It is vital that we ensure that servicing, parts and raw materials are available to keep vehicles and services on the road and operating. I would like to give you all my personal thanks for everything you are doing.’

And he signed off stating: ‘I realise this will be challenging for you personally, but you are contributing to the resilience of our nation and I am grateful for the enormous efforts you are making in order to support the UK at this testing time.’

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