31.08.2023
UK ramping up training programs as green skills gap widens
Companies and educational groups throughout the UK are ramping up training programs to close the widening green skills gap, as demand surges for workers in renewable energy.
Across Europe, over one million solar workers will be needed in the next seven years, and in the UK alone PwC forecasts the need for 66,000 new heating engineers and insulation specialists every year to reach 2030's renewable energy targets. Yet, new research suggests that sustainability training is not exclusively needed in the renewable energy sector, but for all UK business's bottom line across the board. In light of this, a proprietary report from corporate sustainability platform, SaveMoneyCutCarbon, highlights the central importance of sustainability to staff satisfaction and retention with nearly one in five (19%) UK employees now actively refusing to apply to join companies that are not truly sustainable.
A new study from Trade Union, Prospects, found that more than a third of workers reported that specialist tasks are now assigned to untrained staff due to the reduction in expertise, as SaveMoneyCutCarbon's study demonstrates insufficient funding with only 18% of UK employees saying that sustainability is central to training processes at their place of work. Additionally, the trade union found that 37% of respondents identified government policy as the main obstacle to achieving net-zero emissions with economic factors, reluctance to change, and limited resources also cited as barriers. The stats correspond with that of the sustainability consultants data which show that over 7.3m business owners say the survival of their business is now under threat due to a lack of government support.
The new national studies reflect the growing importance of climate change to our modern-day workforce and outline actionable ways for companies, business leaders, and decision-makers to redirect focus to ensure collective commitment to climate action.
Key stats:
Across Europe, over one million solar workers will be needed in the next seven years, and in the UK alone PwC forecasts the need for 66,000 new heating engineers and insulation specialists every year to reach 2030's renewable energy targets. Yet, new research suggests that sustainability training is not exclusively needed in the renewable energy sector, but for all UK business's bottom line across the board. In light of this, a proprietary report from corporate sustainability platform, SaveMoneyCutCarbon, highlights the central importance of sustainability to staff satisfaction and retention with nearly one in five (19%) UK employees now actively refusing to apply to join companies that are not truly sustainable.
A new study from Trade Union, Prospects, found that more than a third of workers reported that specialist tasks are now assigned to untrained staff due to the reduction in expertise, as SaveMoneyCutCarbon's study demonstrates insufficient funding with only 18% of UK employees saying that sustainability is central to training processes at their place of work. Additionally, the trade union found that 37% of respondents identified government policy as the main obstacle to achieving net-zero emissions with economic factors, reluctance to change, and limited resources also cited as barriers. The stats correspond with that of the sustainability consultants data which show that over 7.3m business owners say the survival of their business is now under threat due to a lack of government support.
The new national studies reflect the growing importance of climate change to our modern-day workforce and outline actionable ways for companies, business leaders, and decision-makers to redirect focus to ensure collective commitment to climate action.
Key stats:
- 38% (20 million) are more likely to trust a business if they know it is taking action against climate change
- 19% (9.9 million) of UK employees would never apply for a job with a company that doesn’t prioritise sustainability
- 14% (7.3 million) say that the survival of their place of work is now under threat due to a lack of government support for businesses and their energy bills
- 18% (9.4 million) say that sustainability is now central to training processes at their place of work
- 22% (11.7 million) will only support businesses that put sustainability at the forefront of their operation
Mark Sait, the CEO/founder of SaveMoneyCutCarbon, commented: “The Prospect survey echoes our own national study's insights, emphasising the urgency of cultivating a skilled and motivated workforce to realise our net-zero ambitions.
"As the frontiers of the climate emergency close in, it’s no surprise that for the population at large, awareness is stiffening into action. Working at a company without a meaningful plan to reduce its environmental impact is simply a no-go for many job seekers. For employees, frustration at their own organisation’s lack of development is leading to a new phenomenon: climate quitting.
“Employers must understand the generations who are increasingly turning away from roles who do not prioritise ESG goals, but further to continue to drive progress on the challenges that matter most to them. This will not only help boost productivity and retain talent—it will ultimately build trust and value for business in society more broadly.
“Our young generation of workers are looking for employers that can help empower them to make a difference. Organizations that actively listen and help address their needs and concerns will improve business resiliency and implement actionable change in our world.
"Climate quitting then is a natural symptom of the wider problem. In order to guard against this phenomenon effectively, businesses can’t knock back a few painkillers – they need to treat the root cause."
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