Britain’s largest unions have issued a stark warning to Labour: accelerate the green jobs revolution or risk losing workers to parties hostile to net zero. The GMB and Prospect, representing tens of thousands of energy employees, argue that without rapid job creation in renewables, public backing for climate policies could collapse.
A new YouGov study reveals just 10% of voters see new green jobs in their communities, fueling skepticism about the energy transition. While 55% of Britons support decarbonization in principle, Reform UK and Conservative shifts against net zero exploit frustrations in declining industrial areas.
“People need real jobs where they live, or they’ll turn to climate deniers,” said GMB leader Gary Smith. His union launched Climate Jobs UK, a campaign to center workers in decarbonization plans. The initiative mirrors successful U.S. efforts linking unionized jobs to clean energy growth.
Prospect’s Mike Clancy warned the green jobs revolution faces a critical hurdle: “The challenge isn’t technology it’s employment.” With fossil fuel sectors shrinking, he urged faster retraining programs and localized renewable projects to prove the economic upside.
The data underscores the urgency:
- Only 30% believe the transition boosts UK jobs overall
- Just 20% expect benefits in their own regions
- Reform voters oppose climate policies 3-to-1
Ministers highlight 250,000 clean energy roles created since 2020, particularly in nuclear and carbon capture. A Net Zero Department spokesperson cited collaboration with unions to ensure high-paying, secure positions. However, critics demand bolder action, noting most new jobs remain concentrated in select industries.
Unions insist the green jobs revolution must deliver tangible wins before the next election or risk a political reversal that could derail Britain’s climate targets entirely.
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