IEMA reacts to 2021 Budget

In response to the budget announcement in Parliament, IEMA's CEO Sarah Mukherjee MBE said:

"In today’s Budget the Chancellor has confirmed an increase of £3.8bn over the parliament in skills funding, which in part is targeted at developing the nation’s green jobs and skills. Investment in skills is critical if the Government is to achieve its environmental aims, be that reaching net zero emissions by 2050, restoring biodiversity loss or maximising how we use natural capital.

But investment alone is not enough.

To create a truly green economy will require a more strategic approach to skills planning and provision. IEMA is urging the Government to develop a National Green Skills and Jobs Strategy. As well as ensuring that there is a pipeline of talent coming through to propel growth in cleaner industries, the strategy should also focus on making all jobs ‘greener’ throughout the full range of economic sectors.

As the leading professional body in the UK for environment and sustainability professionals we are well placed to help the Government develop such a strategy"