Exploiting opportunities offshore in Northeast

The offshore wind industry could bring the UK up to 76,000 new jobs by 2020, 38,000 of them in the northeast, says a new report released by the Department of Trade and Industry and Greenpeace. The report by Energy for Sustainable Development looks at the jobs potential under different growth scenarios -- concentrating on the likely effects on the northeast of England. It says the area is in a strong position to exploit the opportunities offshore wind offers because of its proximity to the large proposed wind farms along the east coast of England, its long industrial history, strong skills base and competitive labour costs. The report's findings -- released in a week when 600 jobs were lost in the area -- were welcomed by leader of the GMB trade union Tom Brennan. "It's a massive opportunity for manufacturing companies in the northeast. We have all the skills for the fabrication and installation of wind farms off the region's coast."