Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what methodology he uses to assess the employment impact of proposed data centres; whether published employment estimates distinguish between temporary construction roles and permanent operational jobs; and what estimate his Department has made of the average number of permanent jobs created per hectare of land occupied by new data-centre developments.

Data centres are an enabling industry that supports employment, investment and economic growth across the UK. Data centres have been designated CNI which reflects their importance to the secure operation of digital services relied upon by businesses, public services and households. TechUK estimates that the sector supports 43,500 jobs, contributes £4.7 billion in annual GVA and generates £640 million in tax revenue. Each operational job may support a further 1.4 to 2.5 jobs across the economy.

The Government continues to work with industry to maximise local employment, skills and community benefits from new data centre developments.