Local authorities have been slow to tap into this money at a time they are cash strapped and by tapping into ECO funding jobs can be created whilst customer’s bills are cut says GMB.
GMB, the union for workers in the gas industry, commented on the report that British Gas is creating 1,000 new jobs for young people. See notes to editors for press statement.
Gary Smith, GMB National Secretary for Energy, said “This is very welcome news – British Gas has hundreds of millions of pounds to spend on improving energy efficiency in homes as part of government obligated schemes like Energy Company Obligation (ECO).
Local authorities have been slow to tap into this money at a time they are supposed to be cash strapped. By tapping into ECO funding jobs can be created whilst customer’s bills are cut.
The new jobs are designed to help British Gas meet the Energy Company Obligation, which came into effect last month. Under it energy companies provide efficiency technology and home improvements to low-income households and those considered to be at risk of fuel poverty. These young workers will work on this, which is good for them, good for energy bills and good for the environment. ”
Contact: Gary Smith 07710 618 909 or GMB press office 07921 289880 or 07974 251 823
British Gas news release 25th Feb 2013
At British Gas, we’re passionate about skills and sustainability. It’s because of this that we’re creating 1,000 jobs for the young and unemployed over the next three years. This is all part of an exciting new partnership – between British Gas, Accenture and environment charity Global Action Plan – that we’re calling ‘Transform’.
Since the start of the recession, youth unemployment in the UK has risen at an alarming rate. There are now over one million 16-24 year-olds not in education, employment or training. Through the Transform partnership, and with support from Jobcentre Plus, we will provide 1,400 17-25 year olds with free training in sustainability, supported by Accenture, and a guaranteed interview with British Gas for those that complete the programme.
Olly Benzecry, Senior Managing Director of Accenture in the UK and Ireland said: “We have a programme called ‘Skills to Succeed’, which aims to equip thousands of young people who are not in employment with the skills they need to get a job. We are proud to be involved with Transform, not only because it is helping to create employment but also because of its focus on providing sustainability training and green job opportunities.”
If an interview candidate is successful, they will be offered one of the 1,000 jobs specially created within British Gas to help UK households to become more energy efficient.
The new roles will be designed to help install energy-saving measures within some of the UK’s hardest pressed homes via hundreds of community projects; helping to cut energy bills and save millions of tonnes of carbon. Global Action Plan will help us to target young unemployed people within the local community and will deliver the BTEC training.
Trewin Restorick, CEO of Global Action Plan said: “Our unique partnership will change the lives of 1,400 young unemployed people by providing qualifications and interview experience – and seeing 1,000 into a skilled career with British Gas to help households save money and cut carbon.”
Claire Williams, Managing Director of British Gas New Energy said: “Growth, unemployment and sustainability are big challenges for the country. Big British companies have a responsibility to make a positive contribution, which is why we are taking action to create skilled green jobs in areas of low employment. This training will make a difference to unemployed young people who will get skills and jobs as well as hard-pressed households who will benefit from energy efficiency measures”.
For more information, and to apply for the training, please visit www.globalactionplan.org.uk/transform