Green jobs outperforming the rest of the UK market

‘Green collar’ workers are the most satisfied workers in the UK, according to a 2010 salary survey.

The 2nd annual “Carbon Salary Survey” conducted by sustainability recruitment specialists Acre Resources and corporate responsibility consultancy Acona; found that 71 per cent of UK workers in the environmental sector felt satisfied in their jobs, with 75 per cent of green collar workers worldwide feeling the same.   

Salaries for these workers saw a 5 per cent global rise in the year leading to April 2010, with a 4 per cent rise seen in the UK. This contrasts with a below inflation rise of just 2.1 per cent in the same period for other UK industries.

Paul Burke, Senior Partner at Acona said: “Based on the findings, it would appear that the global recession has had relatively little impact on employment conditions within the carbon sector… Interest in the area – from public, private and third sectors – remains strong.”

Salaries in the green sector do vary, however, both over country and sector. Australasia had the highest average salary last year, at $115 thousand, and South-Central Asia the lowest at $38.5 thousand. In the UK, salaries averaged $81 thousand (£50.5 thousand).

The survey indicates that the highest salaries are still earned by those in legal and financial services, and 45 per cent of respondents across the globe said they received no bonuses.

The report also indicates that across the countries, job security is important for some workers, with 90 per cent of respondents saying they feel as secure as ever, or more secure. In the UK, 26 per cent of respondents said they felt safer in their jobs, 43 per cent said they felt the same and 31 per cent said they felt less safe.

However, this was not felt across all sectors and in Charity and NGO positions, Consultancy and Advisory roles and government bodies, many respondents demonstrated they felt less secure.

The most popular green sectors have not shifted significantly since the first year of the survey, with project development and energy efficiency still holding the top spots. In the UK, solar has moved from being the 5th most popular sector to the 2nd most popular.

Jason van Zuydam, Group Environment Manager at Belron International Ltd said: “I was pleased to note that energy efficiency remains in the top spot. The inference which may be drawn from this is continued recognition of the importance of reducing the demand for energy – particularly in the developed markets.”

The UK represented 32 per cent of the global ‘green’ businesses that took part in the survey, up 4 per cent from last year. The same trend was reported in the rest of Europe, with participation from green businesses increasing from 20 per cent to 26 per cent.

The number of respondents from green businesses in Australasia and Latin America has also risen, while the number in North America has fallen, which could indicate a concerning fall in inclusion of climate change mitigation and response, and greenhouse gas reduction, from the country’s agenda.

Andy Cartland, Managing Director at Acre Resources said: “Although the overall picture remains an encouraging one there are a few concerning signs, particularly in North America, where we have seen the number of participants drop by 7 per cent - perhaps a reflection of market uncertainty.”

 

Image: Daniel Morris | flickr