PCS wins stay of execution for Wave Energy Scotland

Wave Energy Scotland (WES) runs the world’s largest wave technology innovation programme, and its operating costs are directly funded by the Scottish Government. In the 2026-27 budget, the Scottish Government took the alarming decision to remove all funding for WES.

Workers in WES were given no advance warning of a zero funding decision in the budget. They had believed that they were covered by the Scottish minister’s “no compulsory redundancies guarantee” but the message they received after the budget was that they faced redundancy on minimal statutory terms. They contacted their PCS rep, and collectively, they organised rapid action.

After campaigning by PCS, including an e-action which as of 26 February was completed 715 times, the cabinet secretary for climate action and energy has now confirmed a one-year extension of funding for WES, subject to caveats. This was followed on 4 March with a written confirmation of business-as-usual funding for the first quarter of 2026. Talks are ongoing, but PCS members have successfully averted the immediate risk of compulsory redundancies in WES.

This is a victory, but the future of WES beyond March 2027 remains in doubt, indeed the detail of WES’s future beyond June 2026 is still vague. PCS will continue to question employers and the Scottish Government about their long-term intentions for WES, and hold them to commitments they have made regarding Fair Work, avoiding compulsory redundancies, and a just transition to green energy.

Reacting to the news, a WES PCS member said: “After a shocking start to the year and feeling demoralised and disregarded by SG’s funding decision, it is an enormous morale boost to know that people have supported our cause through the PCS e-action. While our situation is not yet resolved we appreciate the consideration and care shown by PCS members and hope that you will continue to support us.”

Messages of solidarity with WES workers can be sent to [email protected]