A N A LY S I S LABOUR AND SOCIAL JUSTICE JUST TRANSITION Remembering the UK workforce in the push for net zero Patrick Briône September 2021 The road to net zero carbon emissions poses risks for the workforce if not handled carefully. The concept of a just transition – where jobs and livelihoods are protected and workers are reskilled to find new green jobs – is gain­ing in importance across the UK and the world. To succeed, a just transition re­quires partnership between the workforce and employers, in­cluding a strong worker voice. This is both to allow workers to speak up to secure their inter­ests but also to ensure buy-in for the vast changes required. Government also has a vital role to play, facilitating this dialogue at regional and sec­toral level and providing stra­tegic leadership. At present the UK government seems reluctant to embrace this leadership role.