Why unions objected

The defence jobs plan, which Wes Streeting had promised would raise apprenticeship support in the sector to at least 14,000 a year by 2035, was shelved just before it was due out. Unions in the sector were shown the document only shortly before publication and told ministers they would not back it, triggering the late delay.

Some union leaders reacted angrily, accusing the government of bypassing their members and minimising their role in job creation. They said the plan was weak and failed to acknowledge unions' part in promoting "build British" defence policies and creating work for young people.

• •Unions said the plan bypassed their members and minimised their role in job creation
• •Leaders told ministers it was weak and ignored unions' contribution to youth employment
• •Unions were shown the plan just before publication and said they would not support it

A union source said the plan "lacked a union voice and the voice of workers", adding that ministers "will have to go back to the drawing board".

What was promised this week

Only on Monday, ministers had said that jobs plans covering business services, construction, technology and defence would all be published this week. The defence postponement now puts that timetable in doubt.

The delay also risks derailing a planned series of government announcements intended to tackle the youth jobs crisis.

The ministry's response

Sources at the Ministry of Defence confirmed the postponement but played down the unions' role, saying there were issues that still had to be worked through and that the plan would appear "in due course". An MoD source said the department had a positive relationship with the affected unions and downplayed reports of a rift.

An MoD spokesperson said: "The defence jobs plan continues to be developed and will be published when ready."

The same spokesperson said the government works closely with trade unions and is "committed to our mission to create thousands of well-paid, unionised defence jobs in every part of the country". According to one source, further meetings between the ministers and union representatives are imminent.

Telford visit and the wider picture

Streeting is still expected in Telford on Thursday to unveil a major new gun production facility run by the German defence giant Rheinmetall.

Last month, defence contractors promised to create 40,000 apprenticeships, work experience placements and jobs for young people each year, and Labour faces pressure to raise defence spending to 3% of GDP while showing that extra money will deliver UK jobs. Streeting has called youth unemployment a "moral emergency", citing almost 1 million 16- to 24-year-olds who are Neet, and last month described his department as a "ministry for growth".