THOUGH funding has yet to be found, and it's no means certain that the Lower Thames Crossing project will go ahead, Thurrock's MP says she welcomes recent moves to ensure that when, and if work starts, Thurrock residents will benefit from the job opportunities.

Jen Craft and Thurrock Council leader Cllr Lynn Worrall recently joined local businesses, education providers and trade union representatives for the launch of the Lower Thames Crossing Skills Taskforce.

Chaired by Lord Blunkett, the taskforce's purpose is to work in the interest of local communities, ensuring that the construction of the Lower Thames Crossing delivers skills, jobs, and business opportunities to Thurrock and the wider area.

After the crossing received planning permission in March, the group will be focused on holding the project team to account in meeting its employment and environmental targets.

These targets include the commitment to recruit at least 45 per cent of the workforce from within 20 miles of the route, with at least 20 per cent coming from the most impacted parts of the borough - such as Ockendon and Tilbury.

The taskforce will also support the delivery of a Skills Hubs in Thurrock, offering training and mentoring to help local people access higher-paying jobs.

Mrs Craft says construction businesses in Thurrock are expected to benefit from the delivery of the project. The minimum local spend is set at around £800m, meaning £1 in every £3 of the construction budget will go to a business in the area.

Alongside Mrs Craft and Cllr Worrall, the taskforce includes Dr Lauren Sullivan, MP for Gravesham, and Cllr John Burden, Leader of Gravesham Council, as well as representatives from education and business. 

Mrs Craft said: "While I have made my concerns clear about the local impact of this project in the past, I'm now determined to make the best of it for people in Thurrock.

"This project represents a major investment in our region and, as a member of the taskforce, my focus will be ensuring that local people feel the benefit.

"Through holding the Lower Thames Crossing to account on their promises, we can deliver jobs, skills, and opportunity for our area.

Lord Blunkett added: "Major infrastructure projects like the Lower Thames Crossing aren't just about what we build. They have the power to transform lives by providing meaningful, long-term opportunities for people from all walks of life.

"I'm honoured to serve as Skills Advisor to the project and to chair the Skills Taskforce. This independent group, made up of education leaders, trade unions, industry experts, MPs, and Council leaders, will hold the project to account, test progress, and challenge the project to go further."