One in six people in Wigan works in a high emission industry
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Experts warned these workers are more likely to be affected by the Government’s net zero pledge, as 14 per cent of them have no formal qualifications and could struggle to find new work when their jobs are phased out.
The UK is currently committed to reaching net zero by 2050. This means total greenhouse gas emissions would be equal to the emissions removed from the atmosphere, to limit climate change.
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Hide AdFigures from the Office for National Statistics show 25,758 people in Wigan were working in high emission industries as of the 2021 Census. This was equivalent to 16.7 per cent of all 154,614 workers.
These industries include agriculture, manufacturing, electricity and gas, water supply and waste management, and transport. They contribute to 80 per cent of UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, excluding household emissions.
The Work Foundation at Lancaster University said it is vital opportunities are provided for workers to move to secure and sustainable jobs in the future and called on the Government to extend training schemes.
In Wigan, most people (13,751) were employed in manufacturing, followed by transport and storage with 8,771 workers.
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Hide AdBen Harrison, director of the Work Foundation, said: “As the UK transitions to net zero, it is vital that we provide skills pathways for workers to move from jobs in high emission industries into high quality, secure and sustainable jobs in the future.
“But the UK's track record on investing in adult education and training remains poor – over 7.5 million mid-career workers have not received any training since leaving full time education.
Across England and Wales, on average one in six people were found to work in high emission industries. Most workers were concentrated in the East Midlands – 19.1 per cent, while the figure stood at 15.5 per cent in the North West.
Mr Harrison added: “To ensure no workers or regions are left behind in the net-zero transition, the Government and employers should specifically focus on extending training opportunities to those in ‘at risk’ jobs and on low pay.
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Hide Ad“This should include additional support for the indirect costs of training such as childcare, and reforms to Universal Credit, to ensure recipients aren’t discouraged from improving their skills.”