GMB: Crucial gas workers must be protected

One of the safest gas distribution networks in the world will be risked by a rushed and unplanned transition to renewables, according to GMB Scotland.

The union, representing thousands of gas workers, warned MPs relentless speculation around the future of the UK network is undermining a skilled and crucial workforce.

Rhea Wolfson, GMB Scotland secretary, giving evidence to the Energy Security and Net Zero committee at the House of Commons today, warned the gulf between the rhetoric and reality of the energy transition is fuelling workers’ uncertainty. 

She told MPs the rollout of heat pumps for domestic heating had been slow and failed to deliver promised jobs while the gas network remains crucial and demands protection.

Wolfson said: “The UK gas network is one of the safest and most reliable in the world, because really skilled workers maintain it.

“If you create uncertainty around such a key part of national infrastructure and workers exit because of that uncertainty, then we could end up in a very difficult situation.

“We don't have a national plan, and we certainly don't have a national plan to transition skilled workers.”

MPs heard around 24 million homes in the UK are connected to the gas network while only around 45,000 heat pumps are being fitted each year. Around 6400 were fitted in Scotland in 2023 but installations will need to triple in the next five years to meet Net Zero targets.

Wolfson warned ministers’ rhetoric around electrification of home heating must reflect the reality or risk undermining gas distribution networks that will be needed for decades to come.

She said: “Where we can get things really wrong is when there's a severe disconnect from what's actually happening on the shopfloor and in our homes.

“We talk about hypothetical jobs, hypothetical heat pump installations, but it's just not happening.”

Wolfson told the committee, investigating the future management of oil and gas, that GMB supports the drive to Net Zero but the transition to renewables must be measured and planned.

She said: “It feels like often we are putting the cart before the horse. We are talking about shutting down real industries and transitioning to hypothetical industries.

“Our members support decarbonisation and a jobs first transition but that cannot be managed decline dressed up as a transition that doesn't really exist."

Wolfson said gas workers have a wealth of transferable skills but any jobs created in renewables struggle to match pay and conditions of those in existing energy industries.

She said: “The investment in the workforce isn't coming from new industries and there is lack of engagement with unions in emerging technologies.

“GMB was founded in the Beckton Gas Works, and we've always been a proud gas workers' union.

“We have thousands of members in gas with comparatively good wages, terms and conditions, and consistency of contract.

“This is permanent work, and it is high density union industry that has invested consistently in apprenticeships.

“A lack of certainty and a lack of national planning means that workers are deeply concerned about the future.”

ENDS