Policy Hub
On 2 November 2009, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) published a report which warns that unless the government takes action to make the workforce ‘climate ready’, the UK may not be equipped to compete in a low carbon global economy.
The report emphasises that the radical steps which are necessary for the UK to meet its climate change obligations also bring with them important opportunities for economic development. For instance, in areas like offshore wind and energy efficiency there is scope for significant job creation.
As a priority, the government’s new skills strategy must ensure that existing work-based training includes guidance on low carbon skills, so that all sections of the UK workforce are equipped to compete in a low carbon economy. The report notes that relevant skills will vary from job to job but, as a minimum, businesses will need a basic understanding of their contribution to climate change and how they can best tackle it.