Insights into the Green Skills Landscape in the UK

Key Findings from Our Research

Jonathan Hart Smith, an expert in the field, recently discussed these findings based on data gathered primarily from LinkedIn, offering valuable insights into the green workforce.

1. Green Skills in the UK Workforce

Currently, around 400,000 professionals in the UK identify as possessing green skills on LinkedIn. This figure represents a significant portion of the talent pool for sustainability-driven roles. In the past year alone, 20% of these professionals—roughly 70,000 individuals—changed jobs. Jonathan noted that this indicates a dynamic shift within the green workforce, with many professionals seeking new opportunities in the expanding green economy.

   Additionally, there has been a 9% growth in the number of professionals identifying as having green skills over the last 12 months. Jonathan pointed out that this increase could reflect the growing awareness of sustainability issues and the need for environmentally focused roles.

2. Regional Distribution and Job Vacancies

While 25% of professionals with green skills are in and around London, 66% of job vacancies requiring sustainability experience are concentrated in the capital. Jonathan emphasized that this regional imbalance suggests the need for organizations to consider remote or hybrid work options to attract talent from other parts of the country, where a significant portion of the green workforce resides.

3. Gender Representation in Green Skills

   A noteworthy finding that Jonathan highlighted is the gender disparity within the green skills workforce. While 44% of the overall LinkedIn workforce is female, only 36% of those identifying as having green skills are women. This gap underscores the need for greater diversity and inclusion initiatives within the sustainability sector.

Addressing the Challenges Ahead

Jonathan Hart Smith’s analysis highlights that as we move towards a greener future, businesses must not only tap into the growing talent pool of professionals with green skills but also address the gender imbalance within the sector. By promoting diversity and encouraging hybrid or remote working arrangements, organizations can access a broader range of talent to meet the growing demand for sustainability-focused roles.

While the data from LinkedIn provides an insightful snapshot, Jonathan also acknowledges its limitations. However, these findings serve as an important starting point for further discussion on how the UK can meet its green skills needs and foster a more inclusive, diverse workforce in the sustainability sector.

For more information or to discuss how ESG REC can help your organization find the green skills it needs, email Jonathan at Jonathan@esgrec.com.