Doubts over government policy on renewable energy are causing employers to postpone or cancel green training initiatives, a recent survey has shown.

Doubts over government policy on renewable energy are causing employers to postpone or cancel green training initiatives, a recent survey has shown.

An independent survey, conducted on behalf of EAL, found that more than two-thirds of industry employers have been directly affected by the series of changes.

Almost 26% have been unwilling to invest in staff training due to delays over the Green Deal and further alterations to the solar Feed-in Tariff (FIT).

A further 25% said they have decreased their investment and over 14% have postponed training.

The lack of clarity on how individual technologies and industries will be supported was cited by 31% as a major issue, amid concerns of a lack of capacity among existing staff to learn new roles and the time needed out of the business to train staff for the changes.

Ann Watson, managing director of EAL, said the survey shows that the delays and uncertainties have caused a great deal of concern and confusion.

Businesses do not know which technologies will be supported and as a result are not investing and preparing their staff for the future of energy production in the UK.

She said: “The Green Deal, for example, will be a massive investment that will generate thousands of jobs, but because the final details are still being worked out, businesses are holding back on preparing their workforce. The Deal is due for launch this autumn and is relying on industry to have the right level of skills and staff in place to meet demand for green technologies to be installed in millions of homes and businesses.

“Government must send a strong message about what support it is offering to businesses that are looking to invest in green technologies. It must also reassure employers by finalising sustainability policies and putting in place an effective agenda for moving the UK forward in its efforts to become a more energy efficient country.”