UK datacenters will create just 25% of jobs predicted by tech sector, analysis finds
Facilities likely to employ 10,400 workers, compared with 40,000 in industry estimates, thinktank says
TL;DR
- Planned datacenters in the UK are projected to create only 10,400 direct jobs, significantly less than the 40,000+ estimated by TechUK.
- Existing datacenters have created fewer than 4,400 jobs, with a much lower jobs-per-megawatt ratio than claimed by the industry.
- Verdant's analysis focuses on permanent operational jobs, excluding temporary construction roles.
- Concerns are raised about the high demand for energy and water by datacenters.
- The government has defended datacenters, questioning Verdant's methodology and emphasizing wider economic value and national security.
- The Green party has called for a moratorium on datacenters due to environmental and job creation concerns.
- TechUK stands by its job creation estimates, based on published methodology and industry data.