Prospect writes to BAE Systems over fair work, British jobs and defence supply chains
Prospect has written to BAE Systems Naval Ships following an address at the Scottish Defence Procurement and Supply Chain Summit in Glasgow, calling for stronger standards across the defence supply chain, including fair employment practices, respect for trade unions and greater support for British industry.
Supply chains concept
At the defence event held in May, Sean Scott, UK Build Programme Director for Type 26, BAE Systems, had said that a significant portion of the £7.5 billion Type 26 project budget would be flowing through the supply chain.
Prospect raised concerns that while SMEs are rightly encouraged to enter the defence sector, there must also be clear expectations around fair work, workforce consultation, apprenticeships, social value and support for UK jobs and suppliers.
The union’s position is that defence procurement cannot simply be driven by lowest cost, but must also protect sovereign capability, national resilience and skilled employment in UK shipbuilding and manufacturing. For trade unionists, this matters because procurement decisions directly affect jobs, apprenticeships and skills investment.
Prospect believes that any responsible supply chain standard should require suppliers to demonstrate clear commitments to fair employment practices, respect for trade union organising and collective bargaining, investment in skills, prompt and fair payment practices for SMEs and active support for the long-term British industrial capability.
Bob King, National Secretary for Defence said:
“Defence spending should deliver more than equipment alone. It should support skilled British jobs, strong workplaces, apprenticeships and resilient UK supply chains. If companies expect high standards on quality, safety and security, then workers and employment standards must carry equal weight. A strong defence industry depends on a skilled workforce, constructive industrial relations and long-term investment in British capability.”
The union has requested further discussions with BAE Systems on how social value, workforce standards and support for British industry can be more clearly embedded across defence procurement and SME supply chains.
