REC comments on Labour’s green jobs ambition

Commenting on Labour’s ambition to create 650,000 new jobs, Shazia Ejaz, REC Director of Campaigns and Research, said:

“Green jobs are increasingly important to employers’ workforce planning, with a recent global survey by the World Employment Confederation finding 81% of global respondents - and 88% of the UK respondents – saying they will increasingly look for green skills in their workforce in the next five years.

“Yet in our Defining Green Jobs report published earlier this year, we identified at least six different definitions of green jobs from organisations that can all influence UK policymaking. Futureproofing the workforce means we need a set definition of a green job to ensure we get policies right. The absence of a more detailed agreed definition makes it incredibly difficult to identify the skills needed to fill those roles, and implement and evaluate policies and identify effective interventions. The health of the nation as well as our economy depends on agreement between government and stakeholders on what a green job actually is.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

Here to stay! Agency workers’ role in labour markets to grow, suggests survey – REC, May 2024

Futureproofing the workforce means we need a green jobs definition – REC, February 2024

In REC’s Overcoming Shortages report, we show exactly how much damage could be done if we don’t step up. With a 10% surge in demand for staff across the economy, and the labour market restricted by shortages, we could see a 1.2% fall in expected GDP and productivity by 2027 – costing the economy anywhere between £30 billion and £39 billion every year. This figure is just short of the entire current defence budget, or two whole Elizabeth Lines.

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The REC is the voice of the recruitment industry, speaking up for great recruiters. We drive standards and empower recruitment businesses to build better futures for great candidates and themselves. We are champions of an industry which is fundamental to the strength of the UK economy.

Find out more about the Recruitment & Employment Confederation at www.rec.uk.com.