The Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) says the UK Government’s plan to increase of skills funding by £3.8bn over the parliament is alone ‘not enough’ to develop the nation’s green jobs and skills.
The Autumn Budget and Spending Review 2021 today (27 October) set out the UK Government’s plans to ‘build back better’ over the rest of the Parliament.
It says it will do so by investing in strong public services, driving economic growth, leading the transition to net zero, and supporting people and businesses.
Among the measures announced today (27 October), Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirmed an increase of £3.8bn over the parliament in skills funding, which in part is targeted at developing the nation’s green jobs and skills.
CEO of the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA), Sarah Mukherjee, said investment alone is ‘not enough’ and is calling on government to develop a National Green Skills and Jobs Strategy.
Ms Mukherjee said: “In today’s Budget the Chancellor has confirmed an increase of £3.8bn over the parliament in skills funding, which in part is targeted at developing the nation’s green jobs and skills.
“Investment in skills is critical if the Government is to achieve its environmental aims, be that reaching net zero emissions by 2050, restoring biodiversity loss or maximising how we use natural capital.
As well as ensuring that there is a pipeline of talent coming through to propel growth in cleaner industries, the strategy should also focus on making all jobs ‘greener’ throughout the full range of economic sectors
“But investment alone is not enough.
“To create a truly green economy will require a more strategic approach to skills planning and provision. IEMA is urging the Government to develop a National Green Skills and Jobs Strategy.
“As well as ensuring that there is a pipeline of talent coming through to propel growth in cleaner industries, the strategy should also focus on making all jobs ‘greener’ throughout the full range of economic sectors.”
Earlier this week, the Environmental Audit Committee warned that ‘inconsistent’ government policy on green jobs and a knowledge-gap in necessary skills are resulting in ‘missed opportunities’.
The Autumn Budget and Spending Review also saw £1.6bn earmarked to introduce new T-level courses for those aged 16 to 19, plus £170m for apprenticeships and £550m for reskilling adults.
T-levels are designed to help young people learn practical, rather than academic, subjects and skills. They last for two years and include both classroom learning and on-the-job experience.
The UK Government says it’s overarching aim is to leverage £30bn to create the “new green industries of the future”.
On green investment, tax and even rhetoric, Rishi Sunak failed on his promise for a stronger economy.
Apprenticeships funding will also increase to £2.7 billion by 2024-25 – the first increase since 2019-20. Funding for the Help to Grow schemes will aim to help SMEs improve their productivity through world-class management skills training and support for digital adoption.
On net zero and green investment, the Sam Alvis, head of green renewal at Green Alliance, says Chancellor Rishi Sunak ‘failed’ on his promise for a stronger economy.
Mr Alvis said: “The chancellor’s approach to climate is increasingly difficult to understand. Just days away from a vital climate conference championed by the prime minister, Rishi Sunak barely mentions net zero and encourages people to fly around the UK rather than take the train. The measure on air passenger duty will even cost the Treasury money rather than boost its revenue.
“On green investment, tax and even rhetoric, Rishi Sunak failed on his promise for a stronger economy. He has left an annual shortfall of £21 billion in investment that could have driven local jobs and lower bills. There was little to help people make greener choices, whether through tax changes for home renovation or direct support for home insulation.
“The chancellor is preaching fiscal responsibility when his own watchdog is urging him to decarbonise now to avoid economic pain later. Without more investment in climate, we’ll see jobs and skills and private sector innovation left by the wayside.”
