Damian Whittard

This Data Explained summarises experiences and learning from working with the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings and Census 2011 linked dataset, which was linked to O*NET (Occupational Information Network) datasets to study green jobs in England and Wales. This publication is intended to help guide future researchers using this data and to provide feedback into future dataset development and documentation

Abstract: Given the urgency of the transition to net-zero, there is a need for a robust evidence base to support an environmentally sustainable and equitable economy. Employing a linked administrative dataset and using both cross sectional and panel estimation techniques, this study examines employment opportunities and estimates the economic benefits of working in green occupations. Consistent with social role theory, the results indicate that individuals are more likely to work in green occupations if they are white, male, full-time, not represented by a collective agreement, and work for an SME or foreign owned business.

Contributing to the international literature on pay in green jobs, the study reports a pay premium of four percent after controlling for other factors. Employees covered by collective agreements receive additional pay benefits, yet representation is less prevalent in directly green occupations. In line with research into attitude-behaviour gaps, the study demonstrates that while personal travel behaviours and green employment choices are often inconsistent, when they align this yields a pay dividend.

The research makes an important and novel contribution by showing that green employment can partially mitigate inter-occupation pay gaps, while identifying that persistent gender and ethnic pay disparities remain within green occupations. Females appear particularly disadvantaged by domestic and childcare responsibilities. This study also reports sector effects, with more traditional industries such as manufacturing and construction exhibiting entrenched gender biases. The results highlight the need to integrate considerations of inequality into theoretical frameworks that aim to understand and conceptualise the uptake of green jobs.