Commenting on the report published today (Saturday) by the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis said:
“Rather than sit on the sidelines and watch as jobs are lost in energy, this report shows how the government could be leading the way, and actually creating employment in the sector, by launching a comprehensive energy efficiency programme.
“While making the UK’s homes and businesses more energy efficient might require a proper injection of cash initially, within seven years the benefits would start paying for themselves.
“Companies and households would be quids in, with those families in the least energy efficient properties standing to save a whopping £600 a year. Interest free loans to low-income families could also ensure that no-one was left behind.
“The planet would suffer less harm through fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and there would be economic benefits too. As many as 100,000 new jobs could be created, and investment in the new technologies could help put UK firms in pole position when it came to competing with the best of the rest of the world.”
Media contacts:
Fatima Ayad T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen T: 0207 121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk
Sophie Goodchild T: 0207 121 5546 M: 07767 325595 E: s.goodchild@unison.co.uk
Alan Weaver T: 0207 121 5555 M: 07939 143310 E: a.weaver@unison.co.uk
