Green Jobs Task Force puts unions at heart of Just Transition to Net Zero
The government has today (14 July) published 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.”
