The JIB welcomes the Government’s clear commitment to infrastructure-led growth within the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) and the central role of skills, housing, energy and transport in its renewal agenda. Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ first CSR since the General Election combines tight controls on departmental spending with large-scale investment in infrastructure – including £120bn in capital spending over the next four years.
Jobs and opportunities
The Government’s ambition to create jobs and level up regional opportunities supports the JIB’s mission to promote competence, fair employment and workforce standards across the electrotechnical industry. Financial commitments announced include:
- £39bn for social and affordable housing
- £13.2bn for home energy efficiency upgrades
- £15.6bn for local transport projects
- >£16bn for nuclear energy, including Sizewell C and modular reactors
The Review also confirmed an enhanced role for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) with a capital budget in 2025–26 which is more than double that of 2024–25. Each of these areas of investment will rely on a skilled electrotechnical sector and sustain demand for a high-quality, directly employed electrical workforce.
Jay Parmar, CEO of the JIB, said: “This Spending Review reinforces how essential the electrotechnical industry will be to deliver the Government’s national priorities. Housing, clean energy, digital infrastructure and public transport cannot be achieved without a skilled and competent workforce. The JIB’s support for direct employment and the ECS system of verification for electricians are essential to meet these challenges and raise standards.”
Focus on skills supports JIB priorities
The Chancellor reaffirmed plans for Skills England, acknowledging the vital role of electricians in the UK’s future. She pledged that by 2028–29, £1.2bn would be available each year for skills development.
As implementation of the Infrastructure Strategy and Industrial Strategy gets underway, the JIB will remain engaged to ensure our model of fair, safe and productive employment continues to inform national delivery. The Electrotechnical Certifications Scheme (ECS) which the JIB administer, provides an established model of industry-led competence frameworks and verification which aligns with the focus on regional and occupational skill strategies.
“The Government has committed to delivery and long-term planning, which reinforces the value of the JIB model,” added Jay Parmar. “We stand ready to work with Government, industry and trade unions to ensure investment brings – not just jobs – but good jobs, built on competence, safety, and fairness.”
The JIB will continue to monitor developments and engage across industry and Government as more detail emerge. If you would like to discuss any aspect of the Review or its implications for JIB members contact us at IR@JIB.org.uk.
