The UK’s energy sector has the potential to “lead the way” in job creation, according to Andy Preston, managing director of energy recruitment specialist BW Penman.

Preston’s comments follow Oliver Letwin’s speech at the Conservative party conference yesterday in which the Minister of State at the Cabinet Office said that cutting carbon emissions and building a green economy is “equally important” to economic growth, indicating that the government’s environment agenda may be saved from the upcoming budget cuts.

Preston told Recruiter: “The drop in electricity generated from wind, hydro and other clean sources in the first half of 2010 has set back the government’s agendas on greener energy.

“Today’s discussion at the Conservative Party Conference and the speech from US President Barack Obama two days ago show that climate change and energy is at the top of everyone’s agenda. With the planned increase in UK government funding, the energy sector has the potential to lead the way over other industry areas in creating new jobs which means a significant rise in recruiting.

“The UK and the US have the chance to compete with other countries on cleaner fuels but need investment in all key areas including the recruitment of a highly skilled workforce to drive forward organisations in this sector.”