Low carbon future must bring opportunities for many says forum

The change to a low carbon economy must ensure UK workers and consumers can take advantage of the opportunities it will bring, a new Government forum said last week.

The Forum for a Just Transition includes representatives from Government, unions, industry and consumers and held its first meeting today, chaired by business minister Pat McFadden. Announced in the Government's Low Carbon Industrial Strategy in July this year, the Forum aims to ensure the transition of our industrial base to low carbon creates benefits and opportunities for UK workers, businesses and consumers.

The Forum will consider key sectors of the economy and key technologies that will ensure the UK can lead in the low carbon industries of the future. But this is not just about new industries, it is also about helping existing industries and workers develop the knowledge and skills and business practices to succeed in the low carbon future.

Business minister Pat McFadden said: "The Forum for a Just Transition will help us work to ensure all people have a stake in the low carbon economy and the opportunities it brings.

"That is why the Government have announced investment of up to £240m in wind and marine power, an additional £30m in low carbon vehicles on top of the existing £400m, as well as tax relief on the purchase of electric vans and cars for businesses. It is why we have established the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Sheffield - a facility that will help UK-based firms reach the standards required to supply components to the nuclear industry.

"This new forum brings together the trade unions, industry and consumers to discuss what needs to be done to identify, secure and promote these wider opportunities for the many in our country"

"There is a danger that responding to climate change can become abstract or an issue for the elite, driven simply by a commitment to change individual behaviour, when what it can be is a huge new industrial and employment opportunity for the country, one that cherishes the planet and gives people a real stake in a greener future."