Recommendations & Conclusions
38 items
1
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
There is no single definition, nor single way to measure green jobs. The Government’s ambitions for accelerating the number of green jobs over the 2020s are welcome, but without a clear definition and metric, the Government will be unable to assess whether its policies are leading to good quality, green …
Government response. Government’s response As reflected by the Green Jobs Taskforce, the delivery of the government’s green jobs and skills policies is a highly cross-cutting agenda, spanning action across several Government departments. The recommendations of the Green Jobs Taskforce were released prior …
2
Recommendation
Third Report - Green Jobs
We recommend that, by the end of 2021, the Government set out how it will measure progress towards its green jobs targets; this should include its definition of ‘green jobs’, and how it will measure the number, type and location of these over the 2020s, for the purpose of monitoring …
Government response. Government’s response As set out in our recently published Heat and Buildings Strategy, it is vital that we address the energy efficiency of our buildings as well as the energy source they use for heating, if we are to decarbonise …
3
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
‘Green jobs’ is a cross-cutting issue, requiring action across Government alongside co-ordination with local authorities and the devolved administrations to deliver the Government’s ambitions. Clear lines of responsibility and a mechanism for co- ordination are needed, otherwise green jobs risks being given insufficient priority within departments, constraining the Government’s efforts …
Government response. 2 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/net-zero-in-the-north-east-of-england-regional-transition- impacts Government’s response As we transition to net zero, it is important to ensure that the UK’s ambitious climate policy interventions do not lead to carbon leakage. The UK’s current approach to mitigating carbon leakage risk is through …
4
Recommendation
Third Report - Green Jobs
We recommend that the Government, in its response to this report, set out its arrangements for cross-departmental delivery of green jobs and skills ambitions, identifying: a) each department’s responsibilities; b) how it will monitor and co-ordinate delivery across departments; and c) how it will collaborate with the devolved administrations and …
Government response. Government’s response The role of the Skills and Productivity Board is to provide independent, actionable insights to help shape skills policy, focusing particularly on longer-term strategic issues and how they will affect productivity. Therefore, throughout its work, the board will …
5
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
Departments need to understand the delivery costs for their green jobs responsibilities to ensure their spending plans include sufficient allocation for this. Any analysis of environmental skills needs in local government needs to be accompanied by an assessment of the funding requirements for the green jobs and skills that are …
Government response. Government’s response Skills for Jobs white paper, which was published in January 2021. The white paper offers us an opportunity to create an enhanced careers programme, which we expect to be delivered in line with current government priorities, including its …
6
Recommendation
Third Report - Green Jobs
We recommend that by the end of 2021 the department or body with overall responsibility for delivery of the Government’s green jobs policies should, in collaboration with the different departments engaged in green jobs policy, assign indicative costings to each department’s actions within the overall green jobs delivery plan. This …
Government response. As reflected by the Green Jobs Taskforce, the delivery of the government’s green jobs and skills policies is a highly cross-cutting agenda, spanning action across several Government departments. The recommendations of the Green Jobs Taskforce were released prior to the …
7
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
Just 1 per cent of Kickstart scheme jobs were in green sectors. While we understand the need to support current industries, we consider that an opportunity has been missed for a greener employment recovery scheme, to contribute towards the Government’s ‘building back greener’ aims.
Government response. In the ten months after the launch of the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan, 56,000 jobs were protected and created, with some already online and others set to come online over the coming decade. Our Plan for Jobs and the …
8
Recommendation
Third Report - Green Jobs
We recommend that the Government’s net zero and environmental goals are considered at the design stage of future labour market interventions, to ensure that such interventions are fully aligned with the green recovery.
Government response. In the ten months after the launch of the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan, 56,000 jobs were protected and created, with some already online and others set to come online over the coming decade. Our Plan for Jobs and the …
9
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
We first recommended that the Government pilot a National Nature Service in our report ‘Growing back better: putting nature and net zero at the heart of the economic recovery’. The Government’s response did not engage directly with this proposal. A National Nature Service would build valuable capacity in the nature …
Government response. As set out in the Skills for Jobs white paper, Government is taking forward reforms to put employers at the heart of the skills system to ensure it is responsive to the needs of local economies. The nature sector is …
10
Recommendation
Third Report - Green Jobs
We reiterate the recommendation from our earlier report that the Government should work with conservation organisations to pilot a National Nature Service during 2022.
Government response. As set out in the Skills for Jobs white paper, Government is taking forward reforms to put employers at the heart of the skills system to ensure it is responsive to the needs of local economies. The nature sector is …
11
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
The voucher element of the Green Homes Grant scheme, the Government’s recent flagship scheme to address covid-19 impact while stimulating jobs in the green sector of home retrofit for energy efficiency, was not a success, and may even have put people out of work; there is a need to rebuild …
Government response. Ipsos MORI is undertaking an independent evaluation of the Green Homes Grant Voucher scheme. The first interim report, which evaluates the scheme’s processes and delivery, will be published in early 2022. The National Audit Office also published a review of …
12
Recommendation
Third Report - Green Jobs
We recommend that the Government’s own analysis into the Green Homes Grant voucher scheme be completed during 2021 to ensure lessons learned inform future schemes’ designs, and include a plan for industry engagement, to rebuild trust.
Government response. Ipsos MORI is undertaking an independent evaluation of the Green Homes Grant Voucher scheme. The first interim report, which evaluates the scheme’s processes and delivery, will be published in early 2022. The National Audit Office also published a review of …
13
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
The scale of the challenge to retrofit homes is significant, as recognised by the Government when launching the Green Homes Grant scheme, claiming it would create 100,000 green jobs. With millions of homes requiring retrofitting to achieve decarbonisation through improved insulation alongside electrification by heat pump installation, or, in due …
Government response. As set out in our recently published Heat and Buildings Strategy, it is vital that we address the energy efficiency of our buildings as well as the energy source they use for heating, if we are to decarbonise our building …
14
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
In line with our recommendation for a national retrofit strategy in our Energy Efficiency in Existing Homes report, by the end of 2021 the Government needs to set out a programme to encourage the development of relevant skills across the construction trade, including small and medium-sized enterprises, to stimulate development …
Government response. As set out in our recently published Heat and Buildings Strategy, it is vital that we address the energy efficiency of our buildings as well as the energy source they use for heating, if we are to decarbonise our building …
15
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
We have heard concerns that skills shortages will affect delivery of the Government’s long-term environmental goals, as set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan. It is welcome that Defra are currently working on a Skills Gap Plan to identify where there are skills shortages and collaborating with other departments …
Government response. The Government is taking a strategic and comprehensive approach to understanding the skills needed to deliver the 25 Year Environment Plan as we conduct our first statutory review of the Plan. In line with Environment Act 2021 requirements for the …
16
Recommendation
Third Report - Green Jobs
We recommend that Defra’s Skills Gap Plan cover all areas of the 25 Year Environment Plan and be accompanied by an Action Plan to address skills shortages, developed in co-ordination with the Department for Education and stakeholders. The Skills Gap Plan and Action Plan ought to be published by March …
Government response. The Government is taking a strategic and comprehensive approach to understanding the skills needed to deliver the 25 Year Environment Plan as we conduct our first statutory review of the Plan. In line with Environment Act 2021 requirements for the …
17
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
We welcome the Government’s commitment to ensuring regions are not left behind in the transition. To ensure this is delivered, it is vital that the Government carry out some planning for a just transition and how the Government intends to support it. This must include plans for public engagement to …
Government response. Our Net Zero Strategy, published in October 2021, outlines measures across the economy which will support industries, communities and workers with the transition to a net zero economy. To help understand the impact of the transition on the workforce, the …
18
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
As action to deliver a just transition will require collaboration across Government and co-ordination with local government and the devolved administrations, the plan also needs to set out departmental responsibilities, and monitoring and co- ordinating arrangements. This plan might be included alongside the document setting out departmental responsibilities and funding, …
Government response. Our Net Zero Strategy, published in October 2021, outlines measures across the economy which will support industries, communities and workers with the transition to a net zero economy. To help understand the impact of the transition on the workforce, the …
19
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
Some regions will be particularly affected by the transition. While the Government cannot actively manage the whole transition, it is important to assess where impacts will fall to ensure there are policies for support and replacement green jobs in place, in line with the Government’s levelling up ambitions.
Government response. Our Net Zero Strategy, published in October 2021, outlines measures across the economy which will support industries, communities and workers with the transition to a net zero economy. To help understand the impact of the transition on the workforce, the …
20
Recommendation
Third Report - Green Jobs
We recommend that a just transition plan: a) be published by the end of 2021; b) assess regional as well as sectoral impact, to ensure regional skills transitioning plus employment and pensions support is in place; and c) include a strategy for maintaining public support for net zero. As cross-departmental …
Government response. Our Net Zero Strategy, published in October 2021, outlines measures across the economy which will support industries, communities and workers with the transition to a net zero economy. To help understand the impact of the transition on the workforce, the …
21
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
There is a risk that the net zero transition could lead to UK job and skills losses if carbon-emitting industries simply move overseas. A carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), recommended in our report ‘Growing back better: putting nature and net zero at the heart of the economic recovery’, should be …
Government response. As we transition to net zero, it is important to ensure that the UK’s ambitious climate policy interventions do not lead to carbon leakage. The UK’s current approach to mitigating carbon leakage risk is through issuing free allowances under the …
22
Recommendation
Third Report - Green Jobs
The Government needs to set out in its just transition plan how it will address this risk. During 2021, the Government should conduct analysis into how a UK CBAM could comply with international trade obligations. (Paragraph 91) Education and skills pipeline
Government response. As we transition to net zero, it is important to ensure that the UK’s ambitious climate policy interventions do not lead to carbon leakage. The UK’s current approach to mitigating carbon leakage risk is through issuing free allowances under the …
23
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
In school, education on climate change and environmental sustainability is limited to a few subjects. It is important that it is included across all courses to give all students a basic grounding in environmental issues and to show how their subjects can be useful in tacking environmental challenges, whatever sector …
Government response. Topics related to climate change and the environment are already included within the citizenship, science and geography National Curricula. This provides key learning to all students, but the curriculum also offers flexibility and we are seeing excellent work in this …
24
Recommendation
Third Report - Green Jobs
We recommend that environmental sustainability be included across all primary and secondary courses delivered through the National Curriculum and across A Level courses. Teachers should be supported to deliver this, with teacher training and continuous professional development. We recommend that the Department for Education consult all relevant stakeholders during the …
Government response. Topics related to climate change and the environment are already included within the citizenship, science and geography National Curricula. This provides key learning to all students, but the curriculum also offers flexibility and we are seeing excellent work in this …
25
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
Our previous report on biodiversity in the UK identified that education could provide a crucial lever to address inequalities in access to nature. The Government’s Children and Nature Programme went some way in increasing access opportunities for schoolchildren, however the programme is due to end in March 2022. We consider …
Government response. Encouraging children to be close to nature, in and out of school, is a key 25 Year Environment Plan commitment. We will continue to deliver against this objective once the programme closes in March 2022. For example, the Climate Leaders …
26
Recommendation
Third Report - Green Jobs
By the end of January 2022, the Government should engage with delivery partners and schools in order to extend the Children and Nature programme beyond March 2022 and expand the number of delivery projects within the programme, using the evaluation project findings to inform the design and implementation of this …
Government response. Encouraging children to be close to nature, in and out of school, is a key 25 Year Environment Plan commitment. We will continue to deliver against this objective once the programme closes in March 2022. For example, the Climate Leaders …
27
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
Apprenticeships are a fast way to bring new skills into a workplace, but climate and environmental sustainability issues are not embedded across them. If they were, this would allow apprentices to apply this knowledge directly to their jobs, addressing employer green skills gaps. This should be extended to the new …
Government response. Apprenticeships and T-Levels are based on occupational standards, which describe the specific knowledge, skills and behaviour required to be competent in the occupation and support entry into skilled employment. Therefore, we do not believe that a generic sustainability module across …
28
Recommendation
Third Report - Green Jobs
We recommend that a module on environmental sustainability be included in every apprenticeship and T Level course. The Government should consult with stakeholders during the 2021/22 academic year on how to implement this.
Government response. Apprenticeships and T-Levels are based on occupational standards, which describe the specific knowledge, skills and behaviour required to be competent in the occupation and support entry into skilled employment. Therefore, we do not believe that a generic sustainability module across …
29
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
Extending the equivalent or lower funding rule exemption to full-time science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and geographical and environmental courses would allow quicker retraining in higher level skills needed in the future green economy.
Government response. The exemption to Equivalent or Lower-Level Qualification (ELQ) rules for students studying part-time second degrees in any STEM subject was introduced following a decline in the number of part-time students. It was felt that an extension of the ELQ exemptions …
30
Recommendation
Third Report - Green Jobs
We recommend that the Government extend the equivalent or lower funding rule exemption to full-time STEM and geographical and environmental courses from 2022/23.
Government response. The exemption to Equivalent or Lower-Level Qualification (ELQ) rules for students studying part-time second degrees in any STEM subject was introduced following a decline in the number of part-time students. It was felt that an extension of the ELQ exemptions …
31
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
Without closely monitoring current and future skills needs and shortages across the net zero transition, there is a risk that today’s courses and training are not addressing the demands of the future. This monitoring needs to be ongoing, to respond to changes in the economy over the course of the …
Government response. The role of the Skills and Productivity Board is to provide independent, actionable insights to help shape skills policy, focusing particularly on longer-term strategic issues and how they will affect productivity. Therefore, throughout its work, the board will consider the …
32
Recommendation
Third Report - Green Jobs
We recommend that by the end of 2021, the Skills and Productivity Board, or similar body, is tasked with ongoing monitoring of skills needs, with regular periodic reviews, to ensure forward-looking and responsive skills planning which encompasses the needs of the economy in reaching the Government’s net zero and long-term …
Government response. The role of the Skills and Productivity Board is to provide independent, actionable insights to help shape skills policy, focusing particularly on longer-term strategic issues and how they will affect productivity. Therefore, throughout its work, the board will consider the …
33
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
To be able to monitor whether its ambitions to increase diversity and inclusion in the green workforce are being achieved, the Government needs to articulate these ambitions in a measurable way and have a metric for measuring diversity and inclusion in the green workforce.
Government response. As set out within the ‘Green Jobs, Skills, and Industries’ chapter of our Net Zero Strategy, we will continue to engage with and encourage industry to ensure there is equal opportunity for all to work in the green economy. To …
34
Recommendation
Third Report - Green Jobs
By the end of 2021, the Government should set out its ambitions for improving diversity and inclusion in the green workforce and set out how it will measure diversity and inclusion in green jobs, for the purpose of monitoring and evaluating progress towards its aims.
Government response. As set out within the ‘Green Jobs, Skills, and Industries’ chapter of our Net Zero Strategy, we will continue to engage with and encourage industry to ensure there is equal opportunity for all to work in the green economy. To …
35
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
Something that has not been considered in the Green Jobs Taskforce report recommendations is the wider enabling infrastructure which allows people to physically access green job opportunities, such as public transport, care and rural broadband connectivity. This will involve co-ordination across the Government. This wider infrastructure needs to be factored …
Government response. Work is underway across government to identify and address barriers to recruitment, retention and progression in the labour market. We are working with employers and sector bodies to provide support to overcome barriers such as transport and connect jobseekers with …
36
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
The Government’s green jobs and just transition delivery plans should include analysis of the enabling infrastructure needed for people to access new green jobs, and allocate actions to the departments with responsibilities over this infrastructure.
Government response. Work is underway across government to identify and address barriers to recruitment, retention and progression in the labour market. We are working with employers and sector bodies to provide support to overcome barriers such as transport and connect jobseekers with …
37
Conclusion
Third Report - Green Jobs
There is a gap in the public’s awareness of green job opportunities and how to access them. It is welcome that the Government acknowledges the importance of green careers advice, however the Government’s latest Careers Strategy (2017) pre-dates both its net zero (2019) and 25 Year Environment Plan (2018) ambitions, …
Government response. We currently do not plan to update the careers strategy as it has been superseded by our Skills for Jobs white paper, which was published in January 2021. The white paper offers us an opportunity to create an enhanced careers …
38
Recommendation
Third Report - Green Jobs
By the end of 2021, the Government should set out how it will adapt its Careers Strategy to align with its net zero and environmental goals, including how it will reach different groups of the population to increase awareness of green job opportunities and how to access them, such as …
Government response. We currently do not plan to update the careers strategy as it has been superseded by our Skills for Jobs white paper, which was published in January 2021. The white paper offers us an opportunity to create an enhanced careers …