Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Paragraph: 49
Levels of unemployment not seen in decades are now in prospect, on a scale which...
Recommendation
Levels of unemployment not seen in decades are now in prospect, on a scale which inevitably demands Government intervention. In its approach to the recovery, the Government should, as far as possible, front-load its investment in areas such energy efficiency, the circular economy, climate adaptation and nature recovery, so as to provide a green jobs boost to counter unemployment. This investment will provide economic multipliers in terms of jobs and improved productivity and will offer wider benefits such as cleaner air and warmer homes. Consideration should also be given to how investment in energy efficiency and nature recovery can be used to rebalance the UK by supporting communities most in need. Do this and we can also ensure that the UK is more resilient to future shocks.
Paragraph Reference:
49
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Throughout the pandemic, the Government has sought to protect people’s jobs and livelihoods while also supporting businesses and public services across the UK. The Chancellor announced further support at Budget to businesses on top of the Government’s previous economic responses. These economic support measures are carefully designed to complement each other to ensure jobs and livelihoods are protected. As announced at the 2020 Summer Economic Update, £2.5bn over two years will be spent on the four building decarbonisation schemes in support of the UK’s commitment to net zero whilst supporting jobs in strategic sectors. In addition, the £80 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund will provide funding for projects across England to restore nature while creating and safeguarding jobs. Across the projects awarded at the first round of the Fund we estimate that more than 1,500 jobs and traineeships will be created or retained within the conservation sector and its suppliers. Finally, the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, is designed to mobilise up to £12 billion of Government investment to create and support up to 250,000 highly skilled green jobs in the UK.