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Mind the Gap: STUC report shows Scotland ‘worst in UK’ for renewable jobs 

A new report from Scotland’s largest trade union body has revealed the “unforgiveable” 4,000 total job decrease within Scotland’s renewable energy economy whilst companies raked in an increase of over £4 billion worth of turnover.

The report from the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), based on the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data released earlier this month, shows there are now fewer jobs per £1million of turnover in the Low Carbon and Renewable Energy (LCRE) economy in Scotland than any previous year recorded. The figures further show that, by comparison, the number of jobs in relation to turnover has increased for the rest of the UK between 2021 and 2022, leaving Scotland flailing behind in job creation for offshore and onshore wind. 

The news has been condemned by STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer, saying it is “a damning indictment of the lack of Scottish Government industrial strategy”.

Commenting, Roz Foyer:

“It is unforgiveable for the Scottish Government to stick with their passive, ‘winner takes all’ approach, allowing energy companies continue to rake in billions whilst jobs and workers suffer.

“Our new report: ‘Mind the Gap’ makes clear that a staggering 4,000 decrease in jobs whilst turnover reached £4 billion for companies within the LCRE is a damning indictment of the lack of Scottish Government industrial strategy.

“Despite the Scottish Government heralding their investment in onshore and offshore wind, we are now the poor relation of the UK for jobs and employment.

“Without a robust and comprehensive industrial strategy, one that places strict conditions on companies developing offshore and onshore wind to address the widening gap between turnover and employment, the Scottish Government is dooming it’s energy strategy to failure before it’s even published.

“Government ministers must use the power of our public sector to turbo-boost our green economy, utilising public ownership of projects at both local and national level, creating jobs and employment with good terms and conditions at its core. We cannot risk failing another generation and more communities with false energy promises. The Scottish Government would do well to heed the call of our recommendations. They must, without delay, prioritise public ownership of our renewable projects and create decent jobs for all throughout Scotland’s low-carbon economy. Workers deserve nothing less.

END

Notes to editors:

Mind The Gap: the increasing gulf between jobs and turnover in Scotland’s Low-Carbon and Renewable Energy Economy is available to download here.

Release first appeared within Saturday’s edition of The Herald