GMB Backs Calls For Sutherland Satellite Launch Facility

GMB Backs Calls For Sutherland Satellite Launch Facility

GMB Scotland has today (Thursday 26 April) urged the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to make Sutherland its future home for the UK’s vertical launch facility project, with a view to bringing more employment and economic development to the area.

Trade union representatives at Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL) have voiced their support alongside local enterprise and business regeneration groups in an effort to ensure the proposed site near Tongue is successful in its bid.

The UKSA is currently considering a number of potential sites as a launch centre for satellites with a decision due imminently.

GMB Scotland Organiser Liz Gordon said: “As Dounreay is decommissioned the existing levels of employment will inevitably decline so the focus should be on alternative employment opportunities that can sustain the communities of the far North.

The Sutherland economy is a fragile one and the jobs that would be created to deliver the construction, infrastructure and sustainability of this project could give the area a significant boost.

Our members at Dounreay have a proud tradition of working at the coal-face of pioneering industry and they are invested in the communities of Caithness and Sutherland.

They want to see economic growth and skilled opportunities for future generations in the North of Scotland and that’s why our union is urging everyone to get behind this bid.”

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Contact: Liz Gordon, GMB Scotland Organiser, 07920 838588.