Govt buoys green contractors

The government has buoyed contractors by announcing it is to carry out work to slash its emissions.

Contractors using umbrella companies have reasons to rejoice after the government announced it is using workers to help reduce Whitehall''s impact on the environment by carrying out energy-efficient improvements.

David Pollock, group chief executive officer of the Electrical Contractors'' Association, said that following the government''s pledge to cut emissions by 10 per cent in one year it has hired contractors to make the all important alterations.

"The government''s aim of reducing its carbon emissions by 10 per cent is a step in the right direction. Given the size of government buildings, it should be achievable with basic technologies and by educating staff about the importance of energy efficiency," he stated.

Mr Pollock added that there will be more opportunities for contractors because of the government''s commitment to green practices.

PricewaterhouseCoopers'' technology assurance partner, Chris Potter recently claimed that IT contractors in retail banking are in a great position because companies are unwilling to commit to large-scale expenditure plans, such as making permanent appointment.