UNIONS have welcomed government plans to deliver 400,000 extra jobs in the clean energy sector.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband unveiled plans today to double the number of people working in the green industry by 2030.

Under the scheme, 31 occupations such as plumbers, electricians and welders will be prioritised for recruitment, while five “technical excellence colleges” will be set up to train workers specifically with clean energy skills.

Scotland is billed to see 60,000 more jobs in green energy, and £20 million from British and Scottish governments will be allocated to help oil and gas workers train for roles in the sector.

The government is also extending the “energy skills passport,” which identifies routes for oil and gas workers to easily transition into roles in offshore wind, and new sectors including nuclear and the electricity grid.

Ministers said they will look to close loopholes in legislation — enjoyed by offshore oil and gas workers working beyond British territorial seas — to extend employment protections, including the national minimum wage, to the clean energy sector.

A “fair work charter” will also be established between offshore wind developers and trade unions to ensure good wages and strong rights.

Mr Miliband said: “This is a pro-worker, pro-jobs, pro-union agenda that will deliver the national renewal our country needs.”

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “RMT welcomes the government’s commitment to closing loopholes in maritime and offshore employment law, which should in turn create domestic opportunities in coastal communities that support the entirety of the offshore wind supply chain.
 
“The proposals for new Technical Excellence Colleges are a positive step forward and must be supported with clearly defined skills pathways, eradicating training duplication.
 
“It is important that these commitments are enshrined in legislation covering our supply chains, if we are to stop bad employers undercutting pay and conditions.
 
“That means effective enforcement of minimum standards on wages and working conditions, clear rights for every worker, and collective bargaining at the heart of any changes so that workers have a real voice.”

Welcoming the announcement, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The actions set out in this plan are initial steps in what must be an ambitious strategy for tangible jobs, backed by an equally ambitious programme of public investment.”  

Christina McAnea, general secretary of Unison, said: “Extra investment for retraining will mean experienced staff already employed in the sector are able to take on new roles.

“Additional funding for apprenticeships and opportunities for young people are crucial too if the UK is to have a bright and clean energy future.”

Prospect senior deputy general secretary Sue Ferns said it was a “step in the right direction.”

“However, the scale of the challenge of training new workers and supporting existing workers, including those looking to transition from other roles, requires both more resource and co-ordinated effort across government,” she added.