Third Report - Green Jobs

The government confirms an independent evaluation of the Green Homes Grant scheme is underway, with the first interim report due in early 2022, and states that findings are being used internally to inform future schemes and that industry engagement is being established via the Net Zero Buildings Council.

The government acknowledges the need for a skilled supply chain for building retrofit and outlines existing and ongoing initiatives, including a £6.9m skills competition, Skills Bootcamps, an Engineering for construction T Level, and improvements to apprenticeship levy transfers, to develop relevant skills in the construction trade.

The government confirms it is taking a strategic approach to understanding skills needed for the 25 Year Environment Plan as part of its statutory review, due by January 2023. Defra is actively working with DfE and other departments to identify and address skills gaps, and an interim update will be provided to Parliament.

The government stated its Net Zero Strategy outlines measures for a just transition, citing the Green Jobs Taskforce's regional assessment and Local Skills Improvement Plans. DWP is enhancing support for those at risk of redundancy into green jobs, and a cross-cutting delivery group has been announced to drive forward government plans for green jobs and skills.

The government outlines existing and planned initiatives to address regional impacts of the net zero transition, including the Green Jobs Taskforce report which assessed regional effects, the introduction of Local Skills Improvement Plans, DWP considerations for supporting at-risk workers, and the establishment of a cross-cutting delivery group for green jobs and skills.

The government did not commit to new analysis on CBAM compliance or a new just transition plan, instead stating it is already mitigating carbon leakage risks through existing ETS free allowances and compensation, and is further developing policy, including reviewing free allocations and referencing published analysis and existing commitments from the Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy.

The government states that climate change and environment topics are already included in citizenship, science, and geography curricula, with flexibility for schools. It also highlights a draft Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy to improve climate education, including support for teachers and a Model Curriculum for Primary Science.

The government committed to new initiatives to continue encouraging children's engagement with nature after the Children and Nature Programme closes, including the Climate Leaders Award, a National Education Nature Park, and the £2.5 million ‘Generation Green’ project. Learning from the previous programme will inform these new developments.

The government explains that the existing Skills and Productivity Board is responsible for providing insights on skills policy, considering net zero targets, and continuously monitoring work on green skills. This addresses the committee's concern about the need for ongoing monitoring of future skills needs by highlighting an existing mechanism.

The government stated that the Skills and Productivity Board's existing role already includes considering net zero targets and monitoring work on green skills as part of its focus on longer-term strategic issues affecting productivity.

The government committed to developing evidence and stated the Office for National Statistics will refine the measurement of the green economy, including diversity, as the UK transitions to net zero. They will also continue to engage with industry and employers to raise awareness and inspire diversity in green careers.