New research finds only 20% of people believe net zero will benefit local jobs, urging action from government
Only two in ten UK voters believe the energy transition will boost job opportunities in their area, according to new polling by YouGov for the GMB and Prospect unions.
The research also shows that just 31% think the shift to net zero will positively impact jobs anywhere in the UK.
The findings raise concerns about declining public confidence in the energy transition’s economic promise.
Over half (55%) of those surveyed believe the government should prioritise jobs and the economy over speed in the transition, compared to just 17% who favour rapid change.
Prospect and GMB, representing tens of thousands of energy workers, have launched Climate Jobs UK to push for worker-led decarbonisation and place employment at the centre of the energy transition debate.
Gary Smith, GMB General Secretary, said: “At the moment, the transition feels like something being done to workers – that can’t continue. People need to see real jobs created where they live, and their local economy boosted, or we’re going to see more and more tempted by the siren calls of those who deny the reality of climate change.”
The poll also found that energy workers rank below campaigners and politicians in public opinion over who should influence energy policy — a sign, unions say, that workers are being sidelined in key decisions.
Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect, said: “The biggest challenge with the energy transition is no longer climate technology, it is climate jobs. The government have raised the ambition on energy policy, which is welcome, now they need to be bigger and bolder when it comes to energy jobs and put energy workers at the heart of this agenda.”
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