§ Mike GapesTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many jobs have been created in the UK Solar PV industry since 1997; and if she will make a statement [81750]
§ Mr. WilsonThe DTI's 1996 Sectoral Competitiveness Analysis for PV estimated that there were a maximum of 350 people employed fulltime in the manufacture, supply, design, consultancy, and research areas. A subsequent review in 2001 concluded that though there had been some expansion and reduction of staff in individual organisations the overall figure had remained about the same.
Since then, with the implementation of the £10 million Domestic and Large-Scale Field Trials, and the launch of the £20 million First Phase of the Major Photovoltaic Demonstration Programme this number has undoubtedly risen.
Renewables UK is conducting a GAP analysis, which will include figures on employment. This will be published next year.