70% of PPE to be made in UK with new government supply chain strategy

Almost three quarters of demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) is to be met by UK manufacturers according to a new government supply chain strategy.

The government has today published a new PPE strategy, setting out a data-driven approach aiming to build resilience in the supply chain as COVID-19 infection rates rise.

Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, 1 per cent of PPE was produced in the UK. Since March, businesses across the country have pivoted to support the production and distribution of PPE.

Health and Care Secretary Matt Hancock commented: “At the start of the pandemic, meeting the huge demands for PPE was a massive challenge.

“That’s why we have worked every day since to ensure we have an uninterrupted supply to meet the challenges in the coming months and protect those who are protecting us.

“We have built robust and resilient supply chains from scratch and thanks to an absolutely phenomenal effort from UK businesses, almost three quarters of demand for PPE will soon be met by UK manufacturers.”

Lord Paul Deighton, adviser to the Health Secretary on PPE, added “COVID-19 has presented many challenges and none more critical than ensuring the right PPE equipment is available at the right time to protect frontline health and social care staff.

“We have brought together a team that unites our procurement expertise and have overhauled the distribution network to rely less on overseas imports and more on our excellent businesses at home to ensure there is a reliable supply over the years to come.

“It has been an extraordinary effort by so many to get to this point but we will not lose our focus - the PPE strategy outlines how we are building further resilience in order to be ready for a new wave of infections in the autumn, winter or beyond.”

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