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REA FEATURE FOCUS Jobs & Skills
Green jobs, outperforming the UK jobs miracle
O
ne of the strongest elements of the renewables sector is the impact it has on UK plc in terms of jobs, an often overlooked
positive we have seen in the past 5 years. In the economy as a whole we have
enjoyed a fall in unemployment - which fell to below 6% for the first time in six years, from 7.1% the previous year - coupled with a 1% growth in employment. Yet renewable jobs increased by over
8%, jumping from 102,987 to 112,055. This underlines the fact that, where there is a stable policy framework, jobs and investment follow.
REA appointed Innovas to provide statistics
and information on employment in the renewable energy supply chain. The growth this data shows in green jobs is all the more impressive when you look at the regional distribution, with all areas of the UK having a strong foundation to build on. The much acclaimed Northern
www.r-e-a.net
powerhouse is already one of the best performing regions, with 10,693 jobs, something that should be jumped upon by the politicians in that area who are about to receive unprecedented powers and autonomy to promote and attract investment. The Midlands is also an area that has benefited greatly, with over 20,000 jobs in the combined West (10,420) and East (9,178) regions.
These jobs cover a range of demographics, from the academic, skilled, semi-skilled and non-skilled. At the top end they provide high quality engineering jobs, leading the way in sustainable intellectual property as well as in science and technology. In manufacturing, we are beginning to see the growth of companies investing in our skilled workforce and ease of access to a dependable market, with over 53,900 jobs now. This is due to grow further, with companies like Siemens opening their new factory in the Hull area.
Put into the wider energy policy context, renewables are now firmly the growth area for employment. Whilst the oil and gas industries still dominate the sector with just under 240,000 direct and supply-chain jobs, these jobs are dependent on global volatility and the long term need to move away from fossil fuels.
The figures for renewables also provide context for other technologies that are often talked about. Hinkley Point C is claimed to support 1,000 permanent jobs, for example. On shale, an EY report showed that the maximum capability of that industry is to deliver 64,000 jobs - nearly half of what the renewables industry already supplies. 2013-14 was a good year for renewables, with growth and employment outperforming the rest of the economy. The Government should take note and ensure the stable investment environment that is needed for this sector is to continue to grow and realise the potential the UK needs.
REview Renewable Energy View 2015 11
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