Ministers are considering proposals developed with unions that will require offshore wind developers to pay into a skills fund or spend a minimum amount on skills training
Energy companies could pay to help train workers and create the green jobs of the future, under plans being considered by the government.
Ministers are considering proposals for a Fair Work Charter, developed with unions and business, that will require offshore wind developers to pay into a skills fund or spend a minimum amount on skills training. This would be directly invested in their local communities to support oil and gas workers, apprentices or school leavers move into the UK’s growing offshore wind industry.
Skills training could be provided through education schemes, training facilities, new equipment or work experience and internships. Businesses would also be supported in funding the training through the Clean Industry Bonus, which provides offshore wind developers with funding on the condition that they build new factories in deprived regions or invest in more sustainable supply chains to drive economic growth.
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Proposals also encourage developers and supply chain firms to create more high-quality, secure jobs in offshore wind, with better access to trade unions and stronger protections on pay and terms and conditions. This could include a commitment to a “Fair Work Charter” co-developed between industry and trade unions.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Britain’s clean energy future will be powered by secure, unionised jobs for local people right across the country – from East Anglia to Teesside and Aberdeen. We’re backing businesses that invest in working people in these communities, securing a route to long-term careers for oil and gas workers, apprentices and school leavers, as we deliver our Plan for Change.”
Offshore wind is estimated to support up to 100,000 jobs, with many jobs outside of London in coastal and rural parts of the country. Industry estimates a typical salary for an offshore wind worker is £10,000 higher than the UK average, with 90% of the UK’s oil and gas workforce having skills that are transferrable into offshore renewables.
The proposals were welcomed by Christina McAnea, General Secretary at UNISON. She said: “This initiative offers a chance to boost skills across the energy sector, create and protect well-paid jobs, and support the renewal of coastal communities and industrial regions. Working together under a Fair Work Charter – unions, government and business – can deliver growth and stronger protection for workers.”
Sue Ferns OBE, Senior Deputy General Secretary at Prospect, said: “Transitioning to a clean energy future will mean tens of thousands of new jobs being created across the UK, and it is welcome to see a clear commitment from the government that these should be good quality, unionised jobs. Training the clean energy workforce of tomorrow is one of the biggest challenges we face, and it is only fair that renewables developers that rely on this labour contribute to skills programmes.”
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