Calls For More Flexible Hiring Rules at Shipyard

KOFAC campaigners are fighting for more Astute submarine orders for the BARROW shipyard; campaigners say academic requirements for apprentices are too strict. Ministers and MPs are being urged to support more flexible rules. The Keep Our Future Afloat campaign, led by shipyard trades unions, Barrow Borough Council, and Furness Enterprise and supported by BAE, is worried some people with the practical abilities to be good apprentices are denied the chance because of poor exam results. Easing some restrictions will make it easier for someone with strong practical skills to obtain employment. KOFAC has a stand at the Labour Conference in Bournemouth to hammer home its message that the shipyard needs continued support including sufficient orders for Astute submarines and an order for work on two giant aircraft carriers to begin. [Source: North-West Evening Mail]