Offshore wind companies and trade unions have backed a new government charter aimed at boosting workers’ rights across one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries.
A total of 37 supply chain companies and six trade unions have signed up to the Offshore Wind Fair Work Charter, which ministers say will strengthen workplace standards, improve health and safety and give workers a greater voice on the job.
The move could also help pave the way for wider trade union recognition across the offshore wind sector, with future agreements expected to cover fair pay and conditions, apprenticeships and more inclusive workplaces.
Major industry names including Siemens Energy, Siemens Gamesa and Navantia UK are among the companies backing the initiative, alongside trade unions including GMB, Prospect, Unite and UNISON.
The charter comes as the government continues to push its clean power agenda while seeking to ensure the benefits of the energy transition are felt in coastal communities and industrial heartlands.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “The government has always been clear that the workers who power the nation deserve power in their workplace too.
“That is why we welcome this commitment from major offshore wind manufacturers and trade unions, who represent thousands of workers up and down the country, in bringing stronger working conditions and a greater, independent worker voice into the offshore wind industry.
“As we continue to go further and faster in delivering the clean power mission in the wake of the war in Iran, we are clear that building a more secure and stable energy system must – and will – go hand in hand with stronger workers’ rights.”
The government said the agreement builds on wider efforts to create jobs and skills opportunities across the economy, including a £2.5 billion package designed to deliver 300,000 work experience and training placements.
Among the companies signing up was Navantia UK, which is developing major offshore wind manufacturing capabilities in the UK.
Donato Martínez, CEO of Navantia UK, said: “The offshore wind sector offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create well-paid, skilled jobs in communities that have long powered this country and Navantia UK is committed to playing our part in making that a reality for workers and communities across the UK.”
Trade unions also welcomed the move, describing it as a significant step towards improving standards across the sector.
Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress, said: “This Charter is an important step towards good, secure, unionised jobs in the sector, and the TUC is happy to have worked with government, unions and industry to get it over the line.
“Now, we need to proper implementation and enforcement to protect all workers in this critical area.”
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