UK’s fashion industry suffering due to lack of manufacturing skills

According to a new poll by Make it British, two thirds of manufacturers in the UK within the textiles industry have an average workforce age of over 40.

The poll assessed 100 different manufacturers in the UK’s fashion and textiles industry.

The industry is struggling to carry a strong, skilled workforce that is capable of meeting growing demand.

“A common concern amongst manufacturers that I talk to on a daily basis isn’t finding more customers but finding enough skilled staff to keep up with the demand,” noted Kate Hills, founder of Make it British.

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“This is a wake-up call for the industry! If we don’t invest in training the next generation, soon there will be no British fashion manufacturing businesses left,” she added.

The 2018 Make it British Live! event – hosted in the Truman Brewery, London, between 23-24 May – will focus on skill training and development.

The event will be hosted in partnership with the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT), and will focus on supporting next generation workers.