Jobs bonanza for Devonport

PLYMOUTH is set for a jobs bonanza as the Government increases defence spending.

- By WILLIAM TELFORD [e-mail]

Armed Forces Minister and city MP Luke Pollard says an additional 7,500 workers will be needed in Devonport Dockyard alone, with further recruitment predicted in the South Yard freeport area and among other businesses in the city.

Mr Pollard said it is not just defence firms such as Dockyard operator Babcock International Group which stand to benefit. He said there will be investment into the likes of robot vessels, military vehicles, technology and innovation, and firms in areas such as Turnchapel and in the north of the city could hit pay dirt, with a push to attract high-tech small companies into doing defence work.

The Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP, also armed forces minister, said he is also looking forward to the publication of the Government's strategic defence review later this year and said it will be positive for Plymouth.

He said it will give "clarity" about the role of Plymouth-based Royal Marines and the future of amphibious operations, after the decision to sell Devonport assault ships HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark.

"The future of Devonport is really bright," the Labour politician told The Herald.