Employers have been urged to review pay and conditions for ‘green jobs’ as older workers remain reluctant to join a sector crying out for experience and skills.
A report from Phoenix Insights has found that workers aged 40 to 65 view ‘green jobs’ as riskier than ‘traditional’ careers in terms of pay, security and skill requirements.
They have “little idea what green jobs involve” and “felt these jobs were more suited to young people”, the report said.
The perception that ‘green jobs’ are not for them is deterring this age group from switching careers when the UK’s current green skills gap is estimated at 200,000 workers.
This gap cannot be completely filled by new people entering the labour market or people at the start of their careers. Therefore, persuading mid- to late-career workers to switch careers is essential if the UK is to meet its net zero targets, the report said.
In its report, titled ‘Resourcing the net zero transition: what do workers in their mid-and-late careers think of ‘green jobs’?’, Phoenix Group urged employers to review pay and conditions for these roles to attract experienced workers.
It also called on the government to provide better retraining opportunities for this age group and age inclusive advertising of green jobs.
Valuable transferable skillsets
Around a third of the UK workforce is over the age of 50 and many work in sectors that are transitioning or phasing down and have valuable transferable skillsets, the report said.
However, insights from focus groups found that workers in this age bracket were unfamiliar with what green jobs were, including in sectors where net zero transition will be key, such as constructing and installing low-carbon technologies.
Focus group members also said there were technological skills barriers that prevent people in this demographic from changing to a green job or sector. People in this age group also expressed more aversion to switching careers when it involved moving to a green job.
The report said these workers were unlikely to be aware of any upskilling or retraining schemes in their local area. And concern about needing to retrain was a major factor in their reluctance to consider jobs in the sector.
Patrick Thomson, head of research, analysis and policy at Phoenix Insights at the Phoenix Group, said: “Many of us will want or need to change careers before we retire to bring fresh challenges, more flexibility, or if our current role or industry doesn’t feel secure in the long-term. But too many experienced workers don’t feel able to make a change at this crucial stage in their lives.
“Employers and government, need to do more to help people plan actively to future-proof their careers and secure jobs that meet their needs. This will help more over 50s stay in good, fulfilling jobs for longer, allowing them to continue building up their savings and enter retirement with more choices available.
“In today’s world, green jobs will increasingly be part of this equation, as our economy changes to meet our climate goals. In turn, government and employers must ensure that opportunities in green sectors and jobs are inclusively and actively advertised to people of all ages, not just those starting out their careers.”
In 2023, the Phoenix Group launched its Careers can change campaign as part of its longer term efforts to help over 50s stay in good, paid work for as long as they want or need. Its latest campaign looks to inspire people in midlife to see how careers can change successfully.
