Clean Energy Targets at Risk Without Major Workforce Investment, Committee Warns
A parliamentary committee has warned that the Government will only achieve its clean energy and decarbonised buildings targets for 2030 and 2050 if there is significant intervention to grow and support the UK workforce. The committee has called for a stronger role for local authorities, alongside clearer long-term direction for industry—particularly around environmental levies, EPC ratings, and the delivery of the Warm Homes Plan.
Commenting on the findings, Stephen Melton, Director of Commercial and Compliance at NAPIT, highlighted the scale of the challenge facing the sector. He explained that the UK will need an estimated 250,000 additional workers just to meet new housing targets, with even greater demand created by retrofit programmes and renewable energy installations. Skills shortages and access to training remain critical issues, which NAPIT has previously raised in its response to the Committee.
The transition to clean energy also presents a major opportunity. According to estimates from the Climate Change Committee, as many as 725,000 new jobs could be created over the next four years. This represents a significant boost for qualified electricians and installers, who are already playing a key role on the front line of the energy transition. NAPIT has welcomed the Committee’s recognition of the need for increased training and upskilling to support this growth.
NAPIT also supports the call from Bill Esterson, Chair of the Committee, for long-term policy certainty, locally driven investment in skills and training, and measures that make clean energy careers more attractive and accessible. In addition, NAPIT has echoed the Committee’s recommendations urging the Government to provide clarity on how environmental levies will be funded in future schemes, how they will impact electricity and gas bills, and to bring forward the Warm Homes Plan without delay—clearly setting out workforce requirements and how they will be met.
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