Union warns only TeamUK will deliver true UK shipbuilding benefits from Fleet Solid Support Ship programme

Prospect trade union has warned that only by selecting TeamUK to build the next generation of Fleet Solid Support ships will the government deliver the maximum benefits to the UK’s shipbuilding industry.

A decision to award the contract for the Fleet Solid Support ships is expected imminently, with media reports suggesting that the final two consortia in consideration are TeamUK and Team Resolute. The final stages of the tendering process are taking place as the government considers whether to raise defence spending to 3% of GDP.

TeamUK’s bid, including UK companies Babcock and BAE Systems, would see 80% of the contract’s funds spent in the UK. Team Resolute’s bid includes UK companies Harland & Wolff and BMT, but would see much of the work carried out by Spanish state-owned shipbuilding company Navantia – with only 20-40% of the work done in the UK.

Prospect trade union General Secretary Mike Clancy said: “We hope the government will secure the future of the UK’s shipyards by awarding the Fleet Solid Support ships contract to TeamUK.

“In an increasingly unstable world, it is critical that the government uses its defence procurement to retain domestic skills and jobs in the UK’s defence industry.

“The new Prime Minister has reiterated his commitment to levelling up the country and he has a chance to make good on this promise by supporting skilled jobs at Rosyth, Govan and Birkenhead.”