The government has announced that 37 offshore wind companies and five trade unions have signed up to its Offshore Wind Fair Work Charter.

This commits firms to providing unions with access to workplaces to speak to staff and offer “strong workplace standards on health and safety”.

Among firms signing up are Hitachi Energy UK, Associated British Ports Holdings, Siemens Energy, and Navantia UK.

“Signing the Charter reflects our deep commitment to fair treatment, high standards and genuine partnership with our workforce and trade unions,” said Navantia UK chief executive Donato Martinez.

“The offshore wind sector offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create well-paid, skilled jobs in communities that have long powered this country and Navantia UK is committed to playing our part in making that a reality for workers and communities across the UK.

“We look forward to working with government, industry and unions to make this sector one that workers are proud to be part of.”

Steve Adams, managing director of another signee Hutchinson Engineering added: “The Offshore Wind Fair Work Charter strongly aligns with our company’s ambitions and future growth, reinforcing our commitment to creating high-quality jobs, supporting workforce development, and ensuring that the benefits of success are shared with our employees.”

The government believes this “could also pave the way” for trade union recognition across the “booming” off shore wind sector, and further commitments by firms around inclusion, fair terms and conditions and apprenticeship opportunities.

Unions signed up include GMB, National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, Prospect, Unison and Unite the Union. Trade union federation the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has also signed up.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “This Charter is an important step towards good, secure, unionised jobs in the sector, and the TUC is happy to have worked with government, unions and industry to get it over the line.

“Now, we need to proper implementation and enforcement to protect all workers in this critical area.”

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