One in four jobs at risk in Telford - Centre for Cities
One in four jobs could be lost in the next 12 years in Telford, a report released today has warned.
Automation and globalisation could see tens of thousands of jobs in the town put at risk, according to a report released by the Centre for Cities.
Telford is the 10th most affected area listed on the report.
Sales assistants, customer service operatives and administrative positions are most at risk, the report says.
Andrew Carter, chief executive of Centre for Cities, said councils had to act now to avoid losing out over the next decade.
“Automation and globalisation will bring huge opportunities to increase prosperity and jobs, but there is also a real risk that many people and places will lose out,” he said.
Telford & Wrekin Council leader Councillor Shaun Davies said: “Our stated goal is to maximise the borough’s economic well-being as well as raise the aspirations of our residents and that is why we took the decision to become a business supporting and business winning council.”
New Town Deal
Councillor Davies called on the Government to offer a New Town Deal to help places like Telford to achieve more economic stability going forward and drive growth.
He also said inequality in council tax bands between the northern and southern parts of the UK also need to be addressed.
But Councillor Davies said that the council are working hard to ensure Telford’s future stays bright.
“I think there is an opportunity for the Government to demonstrate real leadership by creating a New Town Deal to help places like Telford achieve more economic stability and certainty going forward, resulting in fairer funding for the council,” he said “I would urge them to do this.
“The report emphasises that government’s funding model will increase the north/south divide.
"Southern boroughs with an average property in Band D council tax range can generate significantly more funding than their equivalents in the North and the Midlands where an average property might typically be a Band B. This is an inequality that needs addressing.”
He said the council has been working hard to protect the borough’s future.
Raising aspirations
“Our stated goal is to maximise the borough’s economic well-being as well as raise the aspirations of our residents.
“We signed our unique Land Deal with the Homes and Communities Agency and the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership and we have been successful in driving inward investment to the borough while supporting existing businesses to expand.
“This has included massive investment by non EU companies like Magna Cosma, who are based in Canada as well as expansions by Craemer, new investment from Polytec and Rosewood and the commitment by the Ministry of Defence to build their logistics hub in the borough.”
More than 14 per cent of 50 to 64-year-olds have no formal qualifications in the town, the report revealed.
Around 63 per cent of residents voted for Brexit - 11 per cent more than the national average.
The average weekly wage for 2017 was £497, £40 less than nationally.
Telford was one of only two locations in the country – along with Plymouth – where the number of business closures fell in the last 12 months.
However, it was still among the worst areas for business start-ups.
More than 30 per cent of residents had high-level qualifications and the town was the highest ranked area for housing stock growth.
