Prepare for a massive shift: The UK government is betting big on clean energy, and that means hundreds of thousands of new jobs are coming. But this isn't just about numbers; it's about a fundamental change in how these jobs are created and managed. Experts predict a surge in union involvement and a drive for higher employment standards across the board, potentially revolutionizing the sector. Let's dive into the details of this ambitious plan and what it means for employers and workers alike.
The government's newly unveiled Clean Energy Jobs Plan aims to dramatically increase the workforce in this sector. The goal? Potentially double the number of clean energy jobs to a staggering 860,000 by 2030. To achieve this, the plan focuses on getting more people into the workforce through various initiatives. These include providing funding to equip 16- to 19-year-olds with the necessary skills, investing in higher education for engineering, and establishing five dedicated clean energy technical excellence colleges. This is in addition to existing investment plans to boost the UK’s skilled construction workforce with ten construction technical excellence colleges. Skills England will also play a key role, ensuring that apprenticeships and technical qualifications are aligned with the evolving needs of the clean energy sector. Think of it as a comprehensive overhaul of the skills pipeline, designed to funnel a new generation of talent into the industry.
But the plan doesn't stop there. Recognizing the need to support workers in transitioning from traditional energy sectors, the UK and Scottish governments are making up to £20 million available to upskill oil and gas industry professionals. Building on the success of a pilot program in Aberdeen, the 'energy skills passport' – which maps out pathways for oil and gas workers to move into offshore wind roles – will be updated to include opportunities in nuclear power and electricity grid infrastructure. This is a crucial step in ensuring a just transition, offering viable alternatives to those whose livelihoods may be affected by the shift towards cleaner energy sources.
And this is the part most people miss... The government isn't just focused on quantity; it's also deeply concerned with quality. They've already published plans for a 'fair work charter' for the wind industry, and new social value requirements have come into effect as part of the national procurement plan, applicable to the entire clean energy sector. These initiatives are designed to raise standards and improve training, signaling a clear intention to extend the fair work charter concept to other clean energy sectors in the future. This isn't just about filling jobs; it's about creating good jobs with fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for advancement.
Gillian Harrington, an employment law expert at Pinsent Masons, emphasizes the importance of these moves for employers. "The message to employers who want to engage in government backed clean energy projects is clear - your employment standards will be an important aspect of any evaluation of a funding request or procurement opportunity," she states. Harrington advises clean energy employers to proactively plan how to integrate these fair work standards into their broader operations, especially in light of the ongoing implementation of the Employment Rights Bill.
The Clean Energy Jobs Plan draws upon several existing government initiatives, including the Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan, the 10-year Industrial Strategy, and recent consultations on linking financial incentives for offshore wind companies to fair work standards and skills training through Clean Industry Bonuses (CIB). These interconnected policies demonstrate a holistic approach to fostering a thriving and sustainable clean energy sector.
But here's where it gets controversial... The plan also aims to significantly increase trade union involvement in the sector. Unions are invited to negotiate the CIB fair work charter with the government and stakeholder employers. The government also expresses a desire to see increased union recognition and collective bargaining, stating that "For too long, parts of the clean energy sector have been a union-free zone." The plan further announces the government will, "work with industry and trade unions to explore a range of other initiatives, including the potential for Framework Agreements and sector specific arrangements to guide job quality standards for major infrastructure projects".
Anthony Convery, another employment law expert at Pinsent Masons, notes the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill. "The Employment Rights Bill will make trade union recognition easier and will give even non-recognised unions rights to request physical and digital access to workplaces," he explains. "The new plan puts clean energy sector employers clearly in the line of sight of unions who are eager to get a foothold in workplaces operating in this sector."
Convery also points out that the proposed framework agreements resemble a form of sectoral collective bargaining. While the Employment Rights Bill currently only addresses sectoral collective bargaining in specific sectors like adult social care, Labour's Plan to Make Work Pay suggests a broader assessment of its potential benefits across other industries.
Finally, the plan addresses the extension of employment rights to certain offshore workers, aiming to reduce discrepancies between offshore oil and gas workers and those in offshore renewable and low carbon energy. Experts emphasize the need for further clarification to fully understand the implications of this proposed legal change.
In conclusion, the UK government's Clean Energy Jobs Plan represents a bold vision for the future of energy and employment. However, its emphasis on fair work standards and increased union involvement may spark debate. For example, some might argue that prioritizing union involvement could stifle innovation and hinder the rapid growth of the sector. Others might counter that strong worker protections and collective bargaining are essential for ensuring a sustainable and equitable transition to clean energy. What are your thoughts? Do you believe the government's approach strikes the right balance between economic growth and worker rights, or is it tilting too far in one direction? Share your perspective in the comments below!
