Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps his Department is taking to support the retention of skills and jobs in the Bristol region.

Through the West of England Growth Deal, the Government is investing over £212 million in the region to create and safeguard up to 5,000 jobs, and generate up to £180 million in public and private investment. Investment will also be focused on ensuring the West of England has the right skills within the workforce and key sectors such as: aerospace and advanced manufacturing; creative and digital media; and high-tech industries.

This Growth Deal builds on the significant investment the Government has already made in the Bristol region through: the Bristol City Deal; Regional Growth Fund; and Growing Places Fund. Moving forward, the Government, the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, business and local councils will continue to work together to support economic growth, attract inward investment, and ensure the skills needs of the local area are met .

A task force based on the Skills and Jobs Retention Group, including local and national Government, local partners, Rolls Royce, the supply chain and others will be established to ensure we do all we can. The Group has a successful track record at redeploying engineering talent with other, growing businesses, most recently working with BAe. Contact has already been made with Rolls Royce to discuss how this can best operate alongside the support that the company itself will offer.