Third Report - Green Jobs

The government's response details the cross-cutting nature of green jobs policies and how Green Jobs Taskforce recommendations informed the Spending Review and Net Zero Strategy. However, it does not address the committee's observation regarding the lack of a clear definition or metric for green jobs.

The government response details existing and planned skills and training initiatives, such as a £6.9m skills competition, Skills Bootcamps, and T Levels, aimed at developing a skilled workforce for green sectors. However, it does not provide a definition of 'green jobs' or outline how it will measure their number, type, and location as specifically recommended.

The government's response focuses on measures to mitigate carbon leakage, such as the UK Emissions Trading Scheme, and developing policy for product standards and public procurement. It does not address the committee's conclusion about the need for clear lines of responsibility and a coordination mechanism for green jobs across government.

The government's response refers to the Skills and Productivity Board's role in providing insights and monitoring green skills work. However, it does not set out detailed arrangements for cross-departmental delivery, specific departmental responsibilities, or mechanisms for monitoring, coordination, and collaboration with devolved administrations and local authorities as recommended.

The government's response focuses on the Skills for Jobs white paper and DWP's work to identify and promote green job opportunities, but it does not address the recommendation for departments to understand and assess delivery costs or local authority funding requirements for green jobs and skills.

The government acknowledges the importance of mitigating carbon leakage, detailing its current approach through the UK ETS and ongoing policy development. It outlines analysis and other mitigation options but does not specifically address the recommendation to consider a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM).

The government will not extend the Children and Nature programme, stating it will close in March 2022. Instead, it details other initiatives such as the new Climate Leaders Award, National Education Nature Park, and the £2.5 million ‘Generation Green’ project, which aim to achieve similar objectives for children's engagement with nature.