Green jobs in Cumbria could far surpass posts in coalmine, report says

Estimate comes after government reversed its position that mine plan did not conflict with climate policy

More than 9,000 green jobs could be created in Cumbria, according to a report, far more than the 500 jobs promised by a planned coalmine in the county.

The report was published the day after the communities secretary reversed his original decision that the mine did not conflict with national policy and was a local matter. Robert Jenrick cited rising controversy and new climate advice as reasons for the U-turn.

Related: ‘Absolutely ridiculous’: top scientist slams UK government over coalmine