The North East has seen the biggest increase in green jobs in the UK over the last 12 months but the sector is still dominated by London and the South East, a new report says.
The second PwC’s Green Jobs Barometer shows the North East recording a significant rise in green jobs over the last 12 months, with employment figures going from 4,227 to 7,594. But the report found that London and the South East can claim almost a third (32.7%) of all new green jobs, raising fears that the economic benefits of net zero transition may not be fairly spread around the country.
PwC defines green jobs as roles that aim to provide environmentally friendly products and services, or that adapt processes to become more environmentally-friendly. Its report said that green jobs often bring wider economic benefits, with every green job supporting a further 2.2 posts in other firms.
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Adam Waller, PwC’s ESG lead for the North, said: “What we’re seeing in the North over the last year is something of a revolution in green jobs - with advertised roles more than doubling. However, the region’s role in the UK net zero ambitions is not without its challenges.
“Despite the green investment we’ve seen in the North with Hynet and Vauxhall’s electric vehicle investment in Ellesmere Port, our latest Green Jobs Barometer indicates that the North-South divide is at play here. Our report also shows that the biggest barrier to green job growth is the skills shortage, which will disproportionately affect the North region as more talent moves to London. The need to secure a transition which is inclusive across the UK is greater than ever.
“Historically, the North has been known as a hub for manufacturing and industrial roles, but the region has evolved, with the financial and tech sectors flourishing here. To continue to attract the right talent to the North, Government and businesses have a role to play in creating the right jobs.
“The growing gap in new green trade jobs means that while the data is moving in the right direction, this cannot just be about job creation, there must be a focus on the kind of jobs that are created, and how these roles will support the UK in meeting its climate targets, while also ensuring that our economy is fit for the future.”
The report found that, across the UK, green jobs are growing around four times the rate of the overall UK employment market. Around 2.2% of all new jobs classed as green, equating to 336,000 new positions. PwC’s report mirrors other research which shows the significant potential for job creation in the North East around green industries, but which flag up some of the challenges, including training and skills, that could hold back that effort.
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