Net Zero Sector Supports Over One Million UK Jobs and Contributes £105bn, Says CBI Report

More than one million workers are now supported by the Net Zero industry in the UK, according to a report by CBI Economics. The sector generated £105 billion for the economy, with 308,000 jobs directly linked to Net Zero activity, 500,000 jobs in supply chains, and nearly 250,000 jobs supported through the wider economy.

The report identified billion-pound Net Zero economic hotspots in Scotland’s Central Belt, West and North Yorkshire, North Wales, and Cheshire.

4 per cent of gross value added to the economy coming from Net Zero-related activity. Net Zero roles carried average salaries of £43,142, which is 11 per cent above the current national average. Much of the sector’s growth came from small and medium-sized businesses, described in the report as the “unsung heroes” of the clean economy.

The report was commissioned by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit. CBI chief economist Louise Hellem said the Net Zero economy was becoming central to the country’s future competitiveness. She stated: “This report makes clear the sustained scale of the opportunity in the UK’s Net Zero economy.

Peter Chalkley, Director of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said the UK’s net zero workforce had surged past one million. He called for stable policy to maintain growth, noting that communities from Hull to Ellesmere Port and North Lanarkshire to Somerset needed consistent support.

Neil Spann, CEO at North East solar energy firm Power Roll, said the region’s renewable energy sector was expanding and supporting thousands of jobs.

He added that clean energy innovation could drive regional regeneration if appropriate capital remained available. Darren Davidson, UK Vice President for Siemens Energy, welcomed the findings. He said the energy transition was already creating skilled jobs, driving investment, and revitalising communities across the country.

The report noted that emissions in the chemicals sector had fallen in line with Net Zero targets, though most of the decline resulted from plant closures. The UK Government has pledged that thousands of green jobs will replace dwindling North Sea oil and gas roles.