From the BBC, November 2007:
Gordon Brown's statement that he wants "British jobs for British workers" has created a political furore.
Opponents have described it as meaningless, illegal under EU law, even racist. But the prime minister's supporters say it is all about equipping the long-term unemployed in Britain to do the jobs needed in an increasingly skills-based economy.
What does 'British jobs' pledge mean?
If Gordon Brown listens closely, he'll hear the sound of chickens coming home to roost. His throwaway, jingoistic soundbite about "British jobs for British workers" has returned to haunt him as hundreds of workers across the UK joined disputes protesting about the use of foreign workers at an oil refinery in Lincolnshire.
Refinery strikes spread across UK
The origins of the workers' resentment centres around a contract to extend the diesel refining capacity at the Lindsey oil refinery near Immingham, which is owned by French oil giant Total. This contract was awarded to the California-based engineering group Jacobs in June 2006 with a completion date of 2009.
Jacobs then subcontracted to an Italian firm, IREM, following a tender process in which five UK and two European contractors responded.
It is understood that the terms of the contract specified that IREM would be using its existing permanent Italian and Portuguese workforce for the job.
An excellent example of globalisation, one might think. Except in these credit crunch days, the sight of foreign workers carrying out such work is proving an anathema to some, who believe that suitably qualified unemployed UK contractors should be used instead.
Hence the recent bout of industrial action.
Over to you, Prime Minister....
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