The UK is committed to reaching net zero by 2050, yet soaring electricity prices are making the journey harder. Industrial and commercial energy bills are still around 50% above pre-2021 levels, fuelled by wholesale prices tied to volatile gas markets, plus levies and grid charges (Reuters).
This is not just about balance sheets. For many businesses, high costs are forcing difficult choices: scaling back investments, delaying energy transition projects, or pausing hiring plans that should be supporting the shift to a cleaner economy.
When Energy Costs Rise, Job Creation Slows
The transition to net zero should be driving new opportunities across the green transition workforce. From offshore wind engineers to battery storage specialists, demand for skills is growing. Yet high energy prices are creating headwinds:
- Delays to Projects: Developers are slowing timelines, directly impacting roles in construction, operations and supply chain.
- Falling Confidence: Almost three quarters of UK businesses doubt the government’s ability to deliver its net zero agenda, citing energy costs as a major obstacle.
- Cancelled Investment: Companies have scrapped projects in the UK, citing uncontrollable costs and policy uncertainty.
This puts pressure on renewable energy jobs in the UK, undermining one of the biggest potential growth sectors in the economy.
Why Workforce Resilience is Key
At Navitas, we believe that workforce planning is just as important as policy reform. If businesses want to ride out this period of volatility, talent strategies need to be proactive and resilient. That means:
- Building Talent Pipelines Before You Need Them
Even if projects slow, keeping candidate communities engaged ensures you can move fast when conditions improve. - Cross-Sector Agility
Encouraging mobility between adjacent areas such as solar, storage and grid projects makes it easier to redeploy skills where demand is strongest. - Positioning for Policy Shifts
When regulations change, so do workforce requirements. A recruiter that understands the policy landscape, like Navitas, becomes a partner in future-proofing hiring plans.
Policy Reform is About More Than Energy Bills
Experts agree that reforming the UK’s electricity pricing model is essential if the country is to reach its net zero goals. Current structures tie power costs too closely to gas, leaving both businesses and households exposed. Calls for a decoupled, fairer system are growing louder.
But this is not just about cheaper bills. It is about creating an environment where decarbonisation projects can proceed at pace, investors can commit with confidence and the workforce can thrive in a growing green economy.
The Opportunity in the Challenge
The UK’s net zero challenges are real, but they also highlight why the renewable workforce matters more than ever. The energy transition will not succeed without skilled people leading projects, managing assets and solving grid problems.
Navitas is committed to being part of that solution. By connecting clients with the expertise they need and by supporting candidates as they navigate a fast-changing industry, we help ensure that the green transition workforce is ready for the future.
