The first two of the Labour Party's five missions outlined in their Manifesto focus on "kickstarting economic growth" and "making Britain a clean energy superpower" – two issues that should be intrinsically linked.
IEMA CEO, Sarah Mukherjee MBE, said: “Kick-starting economic growth is the number one mission of the incoming Labour Party but that growth must be green.
“Growth will only come with increased productivity and that requires a highly skilled workforce.
“Yet there is a green skills gap looming because the demand for green jobs in the UK is growing twice as fast as the growth in green talent.
“We would urge Labour to develop a specific plan to accelerate the uptake of green skills, to ensure we have a diverse workforce that can deliver a green economy fit for the future.
“The bones of a plan focused on net zero and environment jobs already exists, developed over two years with a cross-sector group of employers, skills bodies like IEMA, unions and academia. So rather than starting from scratch we would urge the new government, in the interests of acting with speed, to work with what’s already there.
“Taking action now, particularly with the launch of Great British Energy, will also mean that workers currently employed in fossil fuel intensive sectors can transition into cleaner roles.
“If unaddressed, the green jobs and skills shortage will compromise efforts to achieve not-only economic growth, but also our legally-binding carbon and environmental targets.”
Subscribe
Subscribe to IEMA's newsletters to receive timely articles, expert opinions, event announcements, and much more, directly in your inbox.
Posted on 5th July 2024
Latest Posts
-
Labour's plan for economic growth must mean green growth – but there is a green skills gap looming
- 5th July 2024 -
As Labour plans to “slash red tape” for economic growth, YouGov poll finds 3 in 5 people want to increase public involvement in planning system
- 28th June 2024 -
Medtronic agrees partnership with IEMA to accelerate skills and standards in sustainability
- 21st June 2024 -
Landmark climate impact ruling for fossil fuel projects, cites IEMA guidance
- 20th June 2024 -
IEMA sets out 18 policy asks for the next Government
- 3rd June 2024 -
New global alliance formed for 25,000 environment and sustainability professionals
- 29th May 2024