Change in employment in the UK Flashcards
What started to decline in the 1970s?
The steel and coal industry
What did this mean?
Fewer people were employed in the primary and secondary sector
How did this affect raw material availability?
The largest quantities and best quality raw materials became exhausted over time and iron ore and coal had to be imported from overseas.
How did this affect the employees?
Automation of the steel industry meant fewer employees were needed
How did globalisation and global shift in manufacturing affect the UK?
1] British Steel sold its steelworks to foreign owned TNCs who looked at relocating production to cheaper locations.
2] Wages are lower in emerging countries
3] Demand for steel is very high in emerging countries and steel is a weight gain industry
4] The standard of health and safety can be lower reducing production costs and increasing profit.
How did government policy affect the UK?
The government opted to stop subsidising the steel industry and the industry in Redcar became loss making.
