Even in a recession, a third of UK employees are willing to quit their jobs if their employer takes inadequate action to reduce its carbon footprint, revealed a new study by Supercritical. 

Amid the slump, leaders are looking for ways to cut costs. Many are considering giving up on sustainability initiatives, which can turn out to be a dangerous gamble. That’s because one-fifth of all employees are already unhappy with their employers' current climate initiatives. 

As per the report, a third would not be comfortable with their company cutting its sustainability programme to save money and they may consider resigning from their roles. This sentiment is particularly widespread among Gen Z, with over half (53%) of 18-24-year-olds willing to consider leaving an employer based on net zero credentials.

“Corporate climate policy is the new DEI. Businesses can no longer get away with changing or scrapping their sustainability initiatives at the drop of a hat. Employees are demanding more and employers are being held to account. Those that want to attract and retain top talent must start seeing climate action as a non-negotiable or risk being left behind,” said Michelle You, co-founder, and CEO of Supercritical. 

In this war for talent, robust climate action is a huge point of attraction. 70% of UK employees would be proud to work for a company committed to climate action, and more than half (54%) consider the steps a company has taken to reach net zero an important factor when deciding whether to work for them. 

60% would choose to work at a company that has a clear plan to reduce or eliminate its carbon footprint over one that doesn't.