| Within this time of economic instability the utilities | | | | sold, despite the credit crunch, for £4.2 billion |
| industry is being hit alongside all other sectors. But | | | | and it looks like others many follow suit and sell up. |
| how much of an effect is the credit crunch really | | | | Some however are saying that this purchase price is |
| having on the sector and the people who work | | | | far too high and may not be rewarded at the 2009 |
| within it? Unfortunately dramatic effects on the | | | | regulator price review. |
| utilities market are going to seen much more clearly | | | | Nevertheless jobs in the sector are reasonably |
| than perhaps in other sectors. This is because utilities | | | | secure. For example Water jobs such as engineers, |
| are a part of everyday life for everyone in the UK. | | | | technicians and managers are on the increase. Also, |
| At present, household utility bills are soaring across | | | | with the government putting pressure on utility |
| the board particularly utilities services such gas, | | | | companies to find greener alternatives and |
| electric and transport and arguably utilities services | | | | sustainability, there are also great numbers of roles |
| such as telecommunications (i.e. mobile and landline | | | | growing in the area of research and development. |
| phones) will be hit too. | | | | This is the same with gas jobs and jobs in the |
| On average it is believed that a household now pays | | | | energy industry as a whole, such as nuclear jobs. In |
| around £330 for its water bills per annum. In | | | | fact, as fuel prices rise dramatically, there is more |
| April the average water rates increase was | | | | and more investment being put into finding new |
| £18, which equates to a rise of 5.8%. Energy | | | | greener energy sources and improved ways of |
| bills have also grown, this time by around 15%, so | | | | dealing with current environment issues relating to |
| that the average household is now paying over | | | | the utilities sector. |
| £1000. Although many consumers doubt that | | | | With all of these factors in play it can be seen that, |
| they are receiving any added benefits from their bill | | | | despite the credit crunch and current downward |
| increases. In the case of the water rate increases | | | | economic trends, the utility industry is remaining a |
| they have been agreed by OFWAT, the industry | | | | strong employment sector across the board. After all |
| regulator. Bill increases are seen to be necessary to | | | | everyone is going to need electricity, gas and water |
| improve the industries infrastructures. It is also said, in | | | | despite increases in bill prices. These price increases |
| the case of water companies, that OFWAT has | | | | ensure that investment is made into utility companies |
| been working hard to keep prices down and if this | | | | in order to find cheaper, sustainable alternatives. Also |
| wasn't the case costs would have been even | | | | as the various companies compete within the sector |
| greater. | | | | a more skilled workforce is vital. This means that |
| Despite the growing charges, the utility industries, and | | | | jobs increase, especially in areas connected to |
| therefore jobs within the sector, are looking fairly | | | | research and development of new and emerging |
| positive. For example, recently Southern Water was | | | | technologies, and salaries remain competitive. |