New research has revealed nearly 17% of the Scottish renewable energy sector's workforce will be lost over the next 12 months.

The survey, carried out by Scottish Renewables, reveals companies are anticipating one sixth of the sector's workforce will be let go due to changes and closures of various support schemes.

One respondent said: "We had been very busy with renewable work for well over a decade. However this has dropped dramatically [since 2015]. We can't see this changing any time soon, so we are actively seeking work in other areas."

Another added: "We have little confidence in the Scottish renewables sector. We are seeking alternate sources of income outwith UK, but failing that we anticipate a material reduction in workforce."

The Employment Trends and Business Confidence survey also revealed more than four in ten (41%) of respondents felt either quite or very negative about the future of the sector. The same figure said they felt ‘neutral’ about the coming year.

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However, more respondents felt positive about the future of their own businesses over the next 12 months than felt negatively. Some 47% said they felt either very positive or quite positive, while 32% felt either very negative or quite negative. A fifth (20%) said they felt neutral.

Director of Policy at Scottish Renewables, Jenny Hogan, said the results show changes and closures of support schemes were impacting on their members and the numbers of employees in their businesses.

"The UK Government is rightly excited about the economic opportunities presented by the impacts of the global shift to low-carbon energy, but it's really important we don’t forget about the jobs in our renewable energy sector today," she said.

"Onshore wind and solar are the two cheapest forms of electricity, but ministers are refusing to allow them to access long term contracts for power, which will result in a marked slowdown in investment and a decrease in employment, as our survey has suggested.

"Renewables are the largest source of power in Scotland, providing enough energy to meet more than half of our electricity needs, and the sector currently employs around 21,000 people here.

"For Scotland's renewable energy industry to continue providing jobs and ever-greater reductions in carbon emissions, government must act quickly to give companies the confidence they need to keep investing in our sector.

"Obviously many businesses in our membership are worried about the future and the lack of a business case for investment in parts of our sector. However, it is also clear that firms are working hard to diversify in many different ways, for example opening up overseas markets and moving into new areas such as energy storage and low-carbon heat."

(LM/MH)