UK Government Shifts Focus: Job Creation Over Green Targets in Contracts

POLICY WIRE — London, UK — The UK government has announced a significant shift in its procurement policy, moving away from green and progressive values towards job creation as a primary criterion for awarding government contracts. This change aims to reduce the number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEETs) and stimulate regional economic growth.

Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh emphasized that taxpayer money should benefit local communities. “Taxpayer money must benefit local communities,” she stated. The new policy will require companies to demonstrate how they will help young people gain employment rather than focusing on their green credentials.

Public sector buyers will now give double the weight to a company’s ability to create jobs compared to its social and environmental impact. Government procurement contracts account for approximately £90 billion of taxpayers’ money spent annually.

This policy shift has sparked backlash from environmental groups, who argue that it undermines efforts to promote sustainable and eco-friendly practices within the corporate sector. However, the government maintains that the change is necessary to address immediate employment needs and foster economic development in regions most affected by high NEET rates.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)