North of England experiences “revolution” in green jobs, more than doubling in 2022

In the second edition of PwC’s Green Jobs Barometer, research shows that green jobs account for a larger share of the job market across the North compared to last year, with an increase of 104 per cent.

The North West has the most green jobs in the region, with more than one in 10 green job adverts located in the region, representing 2.3 per cent of all local adverts. The North East boasts the biggest improvement year on year in the region, increasing the number of green jobs available by 125 per cent year on year from 4,227 to 7,594.

Yorkshire and the Humber is the region with the lowest percentage of green jobs (1.94 per cent) however, this is a huge improvement year on year, with an increase of 102 per cent from 2021, which equates to around 8,700 roles.

Although regionally the UK’s green job creation is rapidly improving, the increase is disproportionately concentrated in London and the South East. These regions collectively represent approximately a third (32.7 per cent) of all new green jobs.

Compared to the North’s best performing area, the North West, which has 31,896 green job advertisements, London and the South East have 110,067 roles on offer.

And while population density is a factor, the South’s dominance is reinforced when you consider more than one-third of all the green jobs being created today are professional and scientific roles, with an ever-growing gap in new green trade jobs which are equally vital to the net zero transition.

Adam Waller, ESG lead for the North and Manchester’s Market senior partner, commented: “What we’re seeing in the North over the last year is something of a revolution in green jobs - with advertised roles more than doubling. However, the region’s role in the UK net zero ambitions is not without its challenges.

“Despite the green investment we’ve seen in the North with Hynet and Vauxhall’s electric vehicle investment in Ellesmere Port, our latest Green Jobs Barometer indicates that the North-South divide is at play here.

“Our report also shows that the biggest barrier to green job growth is the skills shortage, which will disproportionately affect the North region as more talent moves to London. The need to secure a transition which is inclusive across the UK is greater than ever.

“Historically, the North has been known as a hub for manufacturing and industrial roles, but the region has evolved, with the financial and tech sectors flourishing here. To continue to attract the right talent to the North, government and businesses have a role to play in creating the right jobs.

“The growing gap in new green trade jobs means that while the data is moving in the right direction, this cannot just be about job creation, there must be a focus on the kind of jobs that are created, and how these roles will support the UK in meeting its climate targets, while also ensuring that our economy is fit for the future.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

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