Heathrow expansion would take thousands of jobs from other UK regions, report finds
📰 source: theguardian_business · 💼 business
a report analyzing government data finds expanding heathrow will cost other uk regions thousands of jobs. the west midlands alone could lose nearly 10,000 jobs, with birmingham airport losing 7.5 million passengers a year by 2050. the new economics foundation says the third runway primarily displaces jobs from elsewhere, moving 15,200 aviation jobs from the regions and 6,400 from other london and south-east airports to heathrow. the government disputes this, claiming 60,000 local jobs and a £2.6bn economic boost, with 40% outside london. the report casts doubt on political support, as prime minister burnham has promised to rebalance spending. the gdp impact is estimated at only 0.05% per year. the dft's peer review says it would be 'erroneous to claim a broad distribution of gains.' critics argue the scheme benefits foreign shareholders while taking investment from places that need it most.
why it matters: heathrow expansion risks shifting jobs from regions to london, challenging the government's levelling up agenda.
source: theguardian_business
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