THE STUC branded the loss of 1,100 low-carbon jobs “deplorable” today as delegates debated industrial strategy and the role of the war economy.

The figures were revealed in a new briefing by the trade union federation, which pointed to a record £569 million trade deficit as further evidence of a failure to build domestic manufacturing in the renewables sector.

Condemning the “directionless” approach of the British and Scottish governments, STUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: “Scotland’s renewables are being built on imported goods. 

“Multinationals and private investors are all looking to get their share of our resources, while our domestic manufacturers struggle to win contracts. 

“We can see what the business-as-usual, market-led model delivers. We should be taking real equity stakes in our industrial base, strengthening our domestic supply chains and boosting jobs and skills at home with trade union-set terms and conditions.

“Anything less will continue to let Scotland’s workers down and the communities that uphold them.”

The briefing came as delegates debated democratising energy ownership, with West Lothian TUC delegate Neil Findlay, a former Labour MSP, telling Congress: “We have a proliferation of wind farms in my area built by Spanish, French and Danish multinational companies.

“How many are owned by the Scottish government? None. How many are owned by local councils crying out for cash to keep services going? None.

“Communities like mine have to make do with the crumbs off the table, instead of benefiting from the fat profits enjoyed by private-sector owners.

“Imagine what could have been achieved if these projects were developed by councils, the NHS, or Scottish Water.

“The notion that capitalism will deliver a sustainable future for the planet and human race is for the birds.”