New figures show ‘dreadful record’ for creation of green jobs, says TUC

• There were 11,100 fewer green jobs in 2018 than four years earlier in 2014

New figures published today (Thursday) by the Office for National Statistics estimate 224,800 green jobs in the UK in 2018, compared to 235,900 in 2014.

Although there has been a small increase between 2017 and 2018, the TUC says that the fact there were fewer green jobs in 2018 than 2014 is an appalling failure. And the more recent annual progress is still far too slow.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“This is a dreadful record. The climate emergency is a major threat to the living standards of British people. But we are making next to no progress transforming our economy to safeguard our future.

“There should be a very good news story to tell. A path has been open to us for a long time now that’s full of opportunities to create good quality green jobs. By taking this path, we can revitalise towns and communities that lost traditional industries.

“No more excuses – the government must sit down with unions and businesses to plan a just transition to a fairer greener economy.”