Representation by Unite the Union (Unite the Union)
- Date submitted
- 22 June 2023
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
Unite welcomes the opportunities that expansion will be provided for quality employment and apprenticeships. Unite is determined that these apprenticeships provide the skills needed for the future economy of the UK and are not just a scheme to obtain cheap labour and a return on the apprentice levy imposed by the Government. The proposals will also provide a far reaching diverse workforce for local people in the industry and the numerous roles in the supply chain. The airport already supports 16,800 jobs in the regional economy (over 11,800 in Luton) and economic activity of £1.8bn per annum for UK GDP and that sustainable long-term growth will deliver a projected 4,400 new jobs in Luton and additional 6,100 more in 3 three counties. For every passenger travelling through, 53p is invested directly in local community causes: 20 times that of any other UK airport Luton was particularly badly hit by the economic impacts of the pandemic but this project should assist in building better lives in across the town and also support our most vulnerable residents. Luton Rising has gone further than any other UK airport to minimise and mitigate the environmental effects of the proposed growth, putting forward a unique Green Controlled Growth framework that will set independently-monitored limits for noise, carbon emissions, surface access and air quality, which if exceeded, growth cannot take place Unite will always support the need for a sustainable expansion of any infrastructure or facility that can demonstrate a safe and sustainable work environment that does not harm the workforce, the facilities neighbours and the wider environment. This will ensure that for the first time in the UK that an airport expansion will not be delivered at the expense of the environment, and hopefully provides certainty for residents about the environmental impact. Unite is convinced of the need to allow Luton Airport to expand to meet forecast demand and is assured that it could be achieved sustainably