The government is today (14 July) publishing a report from its
Green Jobs Task Force setting out how to get to Net Zero while
ensuring a just transition of labour and skills into green jobs
from more carbon-intensive industries. The Taskforce is made up
of industry figures, experts, and trade unions and was
commissioned by the government earlier this year to suggest
policies to help manage the impact of Net Zero on the UK
workforce.
The report makes a number of recommendations along the themes of:
- Driving investment in net zero to support good quality green
jobs in the UK
- Building pathways into good green careers
- A just transition for workers in the high-carbon economy
Of particular importance would be the establishment of a UK-wide
body with “national representation to ensure momentum and
coherence on workforce transition, including progress in
delivery”, recommendation 5, which would help put a Just
Transition at the heart of UK policy-making and place trade
unions and workers firmly at the centre of this process.
Sue Ferns, Prospect senior deputy general secretary, and
Green Jobs Taskforce member, said:
“The drive for Net Zero is not only essential for the future of
the planet, it has the potential to usher in a new wave of good
quality, high-skilled jobs right across the country. But this
won’t happen without coordinated action from government,
industry, and trade unions.
“Together we need to work to make sure that we properly deploy
the skills we have, develop those we need, and create green jobs
in every nation and region- and this report sets out a plan to do
it, starting with the creation of a new national body to help
guide the important process of workforce transition so that no
worker is left behind as we green our economy.
“It is now up to government to show leadership, back these
policies, and take a big step towards the cleaner future we all
want to see.”
