HS2 Ltd has announced that over 20,000 people are now working on the project, one year on from the formal start of construction
Companies right across the country are now forming part of HS2’s ever-growing supply chain. Contracts have already been awarded to over 2,200 businesses, 97% of which are UK-based.
HS2’s jobs boost is also benefitting those in need, with bespoke initiatives designed to upskill local people who are out of work with the training and accreditation they need to secure a job on HS2.
By providing work for tens of thousands of people in the UK right now, HS2 is helping the country to build back better after Covid-19, as part of the government’s Plan for Jobs.
Key points:
- One year since PM Boris Johnson visited the Interchange station site in Solihull to announce the formal start of construction on the London-Birmingham phase of HS2
- Work has continued on HS2 throughout the Covid pandemic and over 20,000 jobs are now supported by the high capacity railway providing low carbon transport, with many thousands more jobs and UK businesses supported through the wider supply chain
- In the past twelve months, HS2 has launched its first two giant Tunnel Boring Machines, won approval from Parliament to extend the route to Crewe, and received planning approvals for new stations at Interchange in Solihull, Curzon Street in Birmingham, and Old Oak Common in West London.
Creating jobs and enhancing skills
Transport secretary, Grant Shapps, said: “While there have been some issues with the project in the past, hitting the landmark of 20,000 jobs underlines the unstoppable momentum HS2 now has.
“It’s been an incredible year of progress as work continues across the country to deliver a new backbone of Britain’s transport network, fit for the 21st century and beyond.
“Reaching this landmark is testament to the hard work and dedication of all those involved in the project.”
Mark Thurston, chief executive of HS2 Ltd, added: “We’re enormously proud of the progress we’ve made on HS2 since the Prime Minister gave us the go-ahead last year, and despite the challenges of the pandemic.
“We’ve already launched our first two tunnelling machines, with more to launch in the coming months, and construction of our stations and depots are well underway.
“HS2 is moving forward, creating jobs, enhancing skills, benefiting UK businesses and building a low carbon, high capacity railway that will change the way we travel in Britain.”
