UCU calls for investment in green skills to drive Covid-19 recovery

UCU was responding to a report published this week by the Labour Party which called for a stimulus package to train workers and deliver high skilled jobs. The union welcomed calls for greater emphasis on adult education and more co-ordination locally amongst providers, as well as stronger rights for workers to ask for time off to retrain.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'Investing in green skills and jobs is a critical step in addressing the climate crisis and in helping get the UK back on track economically following the impact of Covid-19. There is huge potential for our low-carbon industries to generate jobs and opportunities that the country so desperately needs, but this can only be done with proper commitment from government.

'The UK's future is not as a low-wage, low-skill economy and we need to invest now in the industries that will see us emerge as a dominant force in the future. Further, adult and higher education are uniquely placed to provide green skills training but must be given the necessary funding and support to do so.'