There has been an increase in green jobs in Yorkshire despite economic difficulties, PwC has said.

Across the region, the total number of jobs advertised has decreased by almost 24 per cent, but data shows the proportion of green jobs advertised has marginally increased. 

The rise of 2.07 per cent - as a proportion of all jobs - from 1.94 per cent in 2022 is being seen as the potential start of new opportunities in the North.

But clear regional differences remain, with areas like London and Southeast England dominating job advert boards.

Compared to other areas of the North, Yorkshire and the Humber ranks higher than the North East (1.93 per cent) but lower than the North West (2.54 per cent). 

Scotland and Northern Ireland are the only areas to see an absolute increase in green job adverts.

What are 'green jobs'?

Green jobs are roles that contribute to preserving or restoring the environment and our planet.

You could be working in a traditional sector such as manufacturing or construction, or in a new, emerging green industry, such as renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Green jobs could fall into the direct production of products and services; adapting existing products and services to being more environmentally friendly, or jobs that support a green economy indirectly.

PwC’s Green Jobs Barometer, now in its third year, has identified for the first time that green jobs tend to be higher quality jobs. 

This is reflected in both higher levels of pay and greater levels of job satisfaction compared to non-green roles.

The higher level of pay is not just a reflection of the skills required, but there is a pay premium for many entry level jobs.

The Barometer also highlighted that green jobs tend to require longer working hours and are slightly more likely to be based on temporary employment contracts than non-green roles. 

The financial and insurance sector has seen the biggest improvement, with a 25.4 per cent increase of green job adverts.

Andy Ward, PwC UK’s market senior partner for Leeds and Bradford, said: “While these numbers should be taken in the context of the economy and the period being measured, it does demonstrate that more needs to be done to ensure a more ‘green led’ employment.

“The evolution of the region’s focus from traditional manufacturing and industrial sectors is still ongoing, and reports like the Green Jobs Barometer are so important as a benchmark for progress."

High interest rates and a challenging economic backdrop have seen the number of total advertised roles fall by 29 per cent, while the number of green jobs fell by 26 per cent. 

Carl Sizer, head of regions and platforms at PwC, said: “We need to see a significant increase in new green jobs to meet net zero goals. A drop in the number of advertised roles is concerning given the scale of what needs to be achieved. 

"Concerted effort will be needed to spread the benefits of green jobs and a green economy.”