Analysis from the GMB Union shows that there are 11,500 people employed in manufacturing jobs across the Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, Dumfries and Galloway and Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale UK Parliament constituencies resulting in £603 million worth of earnings across the South of Scotland.
The GMB argue that manufacturing industries across Scotland and the UK rely on membership of the EU customs union which ensures frictionless trade and zero tariffs within the EU.
Sectors of the economy most vulnerable from being outside a customs union are food and drink manufacturing, chemicals, retail, transport and logistics.
The GMB’s analysis also shows that there are a further 20,700 jobs supported by the manufacturing sector in the wider South of Scotland economy.
Commenting Colin Smyth MSP said: “This analysis from the GMB Union demonstrates the harsh reality for people working in our region on the damage that could be caused by Boris Johnson’s Brexit Deal.
“Our manufacturing sector relies on free trade within the EU, disruption at the EU border and tariffs between the UK and EU member states put that trade at risk which has a knock on effect for jobs and earnings in Dumfries and Galloway.
“Alister Jack, David Mundell and John Lamont should re-consider his support for Boris Johnson’s damaging Deal which could put over 32,000 jobs across the South of Scotland at risk.”
