EPSU predicted that the internal market for electricity and gas would cost jobs. We counted close to 250.000 job losses in 1999. This was confirmed by a subsequent study for the European Commission in 2001. Our estimation was that 25%-30% of jobs would disappear. Our new research demonstrates that we were too conservative. Over 300.000 jobs are lost now. No new jobs are created elsewhere in the economy as a result of liberalisation. “When will this folly end ? Job losses and skill gaps are only one of our preoccupations. There is a lack of investment causing problems for the long-term reliability and sustainability of Europe’s electricity and gas sector and hence a threat to Europe’s position in the world”, says EPSU Deputy General Secretary.

  Electricity employment presentation

Presentation