FALMOUTH DREDGING ‘ABSOLUTELY VITAL FOR CORNWALL JOBS AND UK SHIPBUILDING’ – GMB
The dredging of Falmouth Docks is absolutely vital for Cornwall jobs and UK shipbuilding and UK jobs, GMB Union has said,
Cornish company Balaena bought Falmouth Docks earlier in the summer, pledging to ‘more shipbuilding and more ship repair’ at the site.
For the yard to be able to fulfil future orders – including work linked to the Royal Navy's new Type 26 frigate – the company must carry out a £150 million dredging plan to remove sediment.
GMB Union has urged Cornwall Council to approve the scheme to provide jobs and growth across the South West and the wider UK.
Matt Roberts, GMB National Officer, said:
“This is far more than a development project. It is an investment in Cornwall’s future and in Britain’s future.
“Falmouth has the opportunity to become one of Britain’s important maritime centres for the renewable energy revolution as well as being a hub of strong domestic ship repair and engineering - vital if we are serious about our future national and energy security.
“But for our members and their families this is about something more fundamental: long-term security of employment.
“We want today’s workforce to know that there is a future for them in Falmouth, and we want young people growing up in Cornwall to know that they can build rewarding careers here without having to leave the county to find opportunities.
“We urge the council to support these proposals, which are absolutely vital for Cornish jobs and UK shipbuilding.”
