Tuesday 1 December 2015

Nearly 600 made redundant in 200 solar firms

Nearly 600 made redundant in 200 solar firms

Almost 600 members of staff have been made redundant by more than 200 solar companies.

That’s according to a survey by the Solar Trade Association.

It follows proposals to reduce support for solar projects set out by government.

The report states a further 1,600 people have been put on notice for next year if extreme cuts go through. The survey covers around 10% of the sector.

It adds the redundancies are in addition to the 1,200 solar job losses reported during the last few months at three solar companies which have already gone bankrupt.

It states: “This brings the confirmed running total of jobs in the solar industry which have been lost to almost 1,800, with thousands more likely.”

The report estimates 6,500 jobs could have already been lost in the solar sector with a further 18,500 on notice.

The Solar Trade Association has previously estimated 27,000 jobs out of a total of 35,000 in the solar industry and its supply chain could be at risk.

Paul Barwell, CEO of the Solar Trade Association commented: “Those 1,800 jobs we know have already gone represent technical skills and experience which has been built up in the solar industry during the last five years.

“It is this supply chain and know-how which is essential to delivering low-cost solar and yet the government is at risk of throwing many more of these jobs away.”

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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