Renewable energy agreement signed

RenewableUK, the trade association for the wind, wave and tidal industry, and the Unite general union have signed a memorandum of understanding committing both organisations to campaign together to ensure that the development of the renewable energy industry provides significant benefits to UK businesses and the workers they employ.

Over 12,000 people are already working in the sector and both bodies recognise the potential of the sector to create long-term skilled jobs in the UK. Major companies have already identified the specific sites they want to develop into the wind turbine factories of the future, and have submitted planning applications to turn their vision into reality.

Unite national officer for energy Kevin Coyne said the union was “exceptionally mindful of the massive potential for growth and employment the renewable energy sector provides”, and was “committed to support the UK wind, wave and tidal industries to ensure that they create long-term skilled employment opportunities”.

RenewableUK chief executive Maria McCaffery said that the expansion of the wind, wave and tidal industry has the potential to generate up to 120,000 jobs over the next 10 years, both directly and through the UK-based supply chain that is growing alongside the industry.

“Many of the new opportunities the offshore wind industry in particular will generate will be in the old industrial areas along our coastline — areas badly in need of new employment,” she said.

www.unitetheunion.org/news__events/latest_news/britain_s_biggest_trade_union.aspx