The creation of green jobs is outstripping the rate of jobs creation in the wider economy, according to a new study. However, the benefits of the decarbonisation of Britain’s jobs look to be concentrated in London – despite Scotland creating more green roles, faster.
Research from Big Four firm PwC suggests that jobs in the renewable energy industry are growing four times faster than the overall UK employment market. Data analysed by the consultancy suggests 2.2% of all new UK jobs have been classified as “green” – with the number of green roles trebling in the 12 months, equating to 336,000 roles.
According to the second edition of PwC’s annual green jobs barometer, Scotland has the highest proportion of green jobs, at 3.3%, up from 1.7% last year. This is largely thanks to the country’s dominance of the UK’s onshore and offshore wind market. Meanwhile, Wales also made strong progress – with a 150% increase in the number of green jobs advertised, to make up more than 2.2% of those available.
However, it was England – and particularly the capital – which looked set to enjoy most of the economic benefits of the green revolution. Despite hosting a lower portion of green jobs than Scotland or Wales – at 2.1% – London enjoyed wider stimulation from the changes. For every green job created in the capital, 2.7 more jobs are created elsewhere in the economy – compared to 2.6 in Scotland, and 2.1 in Wales.
Carl Sizer, PwC UK’s Head of Regions, commented, “While Wales and Scotland are among the top performers, it’s striking that one in five new green roles are based in the capital. If growth continues on this trajectory, the compounding effect means the green economy will increase London’s dominance over other cities and regions. If we want to meet our net zero ambitions while driving growth, then the green economy needs to be nationwide.”
To that end, there is also evidence to suggest this is slowing the progress of the rest of the country’s economic transition. Yorkshire and the Humber, as well as Northern Ireland, slipped down the rankings with each having a green jobs proportion of 1.9% – though both have improved from 1.2% last year.
