RIA welcomes anniversary of construction beginning on HS2, with 20,000 jobs being created


A construction worker at HS2's Willesden Junction Euroterminal (source: HS2).

13 September 2021

Today, HS2 Ltd has marked one year since the formal start of construction of the line between Birmingham and London, with the scheme now supporting 20,000 jobs. 

Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railawy Industry Association (RIA), said: 

“It’s great to see so much having been achieved in only one year of HS2 construction, with the tunnel boring machines now working to connect London and Birmingham, and station sites being prepared all along the route. Congratulations to everyone involved, including HS2 Ltd and also the UK’s world-class rail supply sector involved in the scheme, on reaching this project milestone.

“HS2 is now supporting 20,000 jobs, and the project is truly showing itself as a vital investment for the UK economy, at such an important time when the Government is seeking to build back better post-Coronavirus.

“The widest benefits of HS2 will only be realised if the scheme is delivered in full. So now let’s get on with delivering the Eastern Leg too, so the whole of HS2 can be built, and the strongest levels of economic growth, jobs and investment unleashed both now and in the future.”

Notes to Editors

 

  1. The announcement by HS2 Ltd can be found here
  2. The image from HS2 can be found here 
  3. About RIA: The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is the voice of the UK rail supply community. We help to grow a sustainable, high-performing, railway supply industry, and to export UK rail expertise and products. RIA has 300+ companies in membership in a sector that contributes £36 billion in economic growth and £11 billion in tax revenue each year, as well as employing 600,000 people—more than the workforce of Birmingham. It is also a vital industry for the UK’s economic recovery, supporting green investment and jobs in towns and communities across the UK. RIA’s membership is active across the whole of railway supply, covering a diverse range of products and services and including both multi-national companies and SMEs (60% by number). RIA works to promote the importance of the rail system to UK plc, to help export UK expertise around the globe and to share best practice and innovation across the industry. www.riagb.org.uk