UK must not fall behind EU in low-carbon industry

5th October 2016

Enaie Azambuja

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A report published by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) details case studies of seven low-carbon industrial zones across Europe. But the TUC is warning that lack of government support could lead to the UK falling behind the EU in the global competition to convert industry to clean energy. The report suggests that Yorkshire and the Humber is the ideal UK region to create a low-carbon industrial zone, saying it has several strategic advantages.

These include access to energy resources, infrastructure, and the breadth and strengths of foundation industries such as steel, chemicals and cement. The report comes in the same week as government ministers committed to upgrading Britain’s infrastructure and putting clean energy at the heart of the nation’s industrial strategy.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “The government says it will upgrade Britain’s infrastructure with clean energy. This is a golden opportunity to make it happen.

“With government backing, Yorkshire and the Humber can pioneer the technologies Britain needs to be a global leader in low-carbon industry. It would create good quality jobs and boost the UK economy. But if ministers fail to back projects like this, British industry will soon fall behind the EU.

“Ministers must involve trade unions in their plans to make the UK a clean energy economy. When big changes like this happen, they must be done fairly. Workers whose jobs are at risk will need training and support to access skilled work in new low-carbon industries.”