The latest survey from the Chemical Industries Association showed that jobs fell in the last three months of 2025, with 38% of companies reporting fewer employees.
The warning came as the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) started focusing more on workplace health during inspections.
Mike Armstrong said: “Our first UK site will create more than 100 highly skilled jobs in its first year and marks just the start of our investment journey in the UK."
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak has called on the Government to accelerate support for the UK’s automotive sector, warning that high energy costs are putting thousands of manufacturing jobs at risk.
The site, announced today by Defence Secretary John Healey, will be operated by Tekever and is set to become the UK’s largest drone factory.