Unite has urged the government to appoint a new minister for manufacturing tasked with expanding Britain's industrial base.

Manufacturing is 9 per cent below 2008 figures with only automotive and aerospace production in Britain showing any signs of recovery.

Excluding transport from the figures, the industry lags 13 per cent below pre-recession levels.

The union says a government-led interventionist strategy is required to bring the industry back up to speed.

As well as creating a new cabinet position, Unite says government policies must defend national manufacturing, ensure low and secure energy prices for industry, provide more support for small and medium companies and invest in firms producing green technology.

The union is also calling for a restructured education system which recognises the need for employees trained in the sciences, as well as a publicly funded "Bank for Industry" so manufacturing companies of all sizes can access investment at affordable interest rates.

Unite assistant general secretary Tony Burke said: "We need an interventionist manufacturing strategy to defend and grow UK manufacturing. Britain needs to provide its citizens with quality employment opportunities which in turn drive growth.

"Decent, skilled manufacturing jobs do just that. Unite believes that one way to help is by having a dedicated minister for manufacturing to give real direction and substance."

The union's general secretary Len McCluskey said that the government's abandonment of the manufacturing industry to the market was leaving Britain vulnerable.

Using the near-closure of the Grangemouth refinery by Ineos as an example, he said: "Grangemouth is incredibly crucial for the British economy, and Scotland in particular. The nature of capital is the real debate from Grangemouth."