Green Space Skills Hub Report Bridges the Gap between London's Unemployment, Green Jobs and Climate Mitigation

Jobs in green space play a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges, including mitigating the loss of diversity and promoting sustainable development. The sector is projected to grow, with increased funding expected from public and private sources (including water companies and developers) to respond to climate and nature commitments and legal requirements. But we know there is a need for change. There is an economic and moral imperative to think about how we make the transition to a green economy more inclusive, ensuring those who might otherwise miss out are given the support they need to succeed. 

The Green Space Skills Hub (GSSH) coordinated research into a report exploring the perceptions of UK-based green space jobs and the sector, “Bridging the Gap; Exploring Perceptions and Challenges of the Green Space Sector”.  The report, led by environmental and community charity Groundwork London, provides up-to-date qualitative research data identifying challenges and barriers facing employers and job seekers, including the lack of visibility of jobs within the industry and the career progression opportunities they provide. Nature-based jobs are vital if we are to help nature recover in a way that also helps the UK meet its carbon targets, yet the breadth and diversity of jobs on offer are not widely understood by potential applicants, particularly those from typically underrepresented groups, leading to perceptions that this work is ‘not for people like them’. There are challenges in working culture, flexibility, and workforce diversity. Access to green space opportunities is also unclear and under-promoted. The report concludes with initiatives and campaign messages which could turn horticulture into a career path of choice. 

London is a city of community and diversity and relies upon its parks and nature to thrive against effects of climate change.  Creating an accessible and inclusive workforce in the industry is essential to bring us closer to a greener economy, ensuring a sustainable future for all. The Green Space Skills Hub, funded by the Greater London Authority and in partnership with Parks for London, is proud to be the online destination to find green space and nature-based jobs, training and opportunities across London supporting partners, candidates and employers. Its initiative is three–fold, to promote: 

• • – diverse jobs for diverse people 

Throughout October 2024, The Green Space Skills Hub is running their third release of the ‘Force of Nature’ campaign as a response to their findings in the report. Despite the best efforts of many organisations and projects across London, our research shows there is still much to be done to reach a larger and broader audience across London to address the misinterpretation and low profile of this industry. With Force of Nature and the support of more than 70 engaged employers in the horticulture, parks, landscape, conservation and educational industries, the GSSH is building awareness of the green space job market to make it a sector of choice for all jobseekers.