Context
Derby is home to the largest rail cluster in Europe, employing 45,000 people across various roles. A third of workers are aged 50 or over, leading to a significant shortage of rail skills.
Question
What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help ensure that workers have necessary skills for the rail sector. Derby is the centre of the largest rail cluster in Europe—an east midlands cluster employing 45,000 people. There is an incredible range of roles in the sector, from engineering to driving, digital to welding, advanced manufacturing to customer services, and many more. However, with a third of workers in the rail sector aged 50 or over, it faces a significant shortage of rail skills in the future.
Answer from The Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander)
Developing an industry workforce plan will be a key priority for Great British Railways, and I am confident that we will be making the most of the expertise that already exists in places such as Derby. The fact that Derby will soon become the new national headquarters of GBR will mean more high-skilled jobs for a city that is already brimming with rail industry talent.
Not addressed: The answer did not provide specific steps or commitments beyond general statements about leveraging existing expertise and creating more jobs.
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