Concerns have been raised about the impact on communities supported by the oil and gas sector, highlighting the need for what is commonly referred to as a ‘just transition’ before North Sea oil runs out.
When Britain’s coal mining sector declined the impact on communities was devastating, as between 1980 and 1994 more than 200,000 miners lost their jobs according to the IFS.
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A 2020 report by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust found many former mining communities had lower life expectancies than the national average, with fewer educational opportunities and “significant and concentrated deprivation” in some parts of Fife, South Lanarkshire, East Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire and Clackmannanshire.
Proposals put forward on Saturday would require offshore wind developers to pay into a skills fund or spend a minimum amount on skills training in their local communities to support oil and gas workers, apprentices or school leavers to secure employment in green energy.
Skills training could be provided through education schemes, training facilities, new equipment or work experience and internships, creating new opportunities for working people and unlocking growth across Britain.
Proposals also encourage developers and supply chain firms to create more high-quality, secure jobs in offshore wind, with better access to trade unions and stronger protections on pay and terms and conditions. This could include a commitment to a ‘Fair Worker Charter’ co-developed between industry and trade unions.
It is estimated that 90% of workers currently employed in oil and gas have skills which, with training, would be transferable to offshore wind.
Energy secretary Ed Miliband said: “Britain’s clean energy future will be powered by secure, unionised jobs for local people right across the country – from East Anglia to Teesside and Aberdeen.
Ed Miliband (Image: PA)
“We’re backing businesses that invest in working people in these communities, securing a route to long-term careers for oil and gas workers, apprentices and school leavers, as we deliver our Plan for Change.”
Christina McAnea, general secretary at UNISON, said: “Clean, homegrown energy is vital to Britain’s future growth and to tackling climate change. A highly skilled, fairly paid and secure clean energy workforce is essential to achieving these goals.
“UNISON has long argued that the government needs to invest in retraining existing energy workers so their skills and experience can be transferred to clean energy jobs. Investment in apprenticeships and opportunities for young people is crucial in building the workforce of tomorrow.
“This initiative offers a chance to boost skills across the energy sector, create and protect well-paid jobs, and support the renewal of coastal communities and industrial regions. Working together under a Fair Work Charter – unions, government and business – can deliver growth and stronger protection for workers.”
Eddie Dempsey, general secretary at RMT, said: “We welcome the commitments to make trade union recognition and strong pro-worker standards a part of offshore wind contracts, covering re-training, protecting pay, and working conditions.
“This ensures that oil and gas workers are not being left behind.
“Alongside the Employment Rights Bill and wider pledges to strengthen offshore workers’ rights, including for seafarers in the supply chain, the progress so far shows a plan is coming together.
“That will give our members confidence that their livelihoods will be protected through these turbulent times.”
Sue Ferns OBE, senior deputy general secretary at Prospect, said: “Transitioning to a clean energy future will mean tens of thousands of new jobs being created across the UK, and it is welcome to see a clear commitment from the government that these should be good quality, unionised jobs.
“Training the clean energy workforce of tomorrow is one of the biggest challenges we face, and it is only fair that renewables developers that rely on this labour contribute to skills programmes.
“While progress has been made on unionisation in renewables, there is still more to do, and Prospect has been calling for the strongest possible signal from government that they expect companies receiving public money or participating in public procurement processes to work with and recognise trade unions.”
