Fracking in Britain could create just a THIRD of the jobs Cameron predicted, according to energy experts advising ministers Prime Minister has claimed shale gas industry could create 74,000 jobs Experts working for energy department warn real figure could be 24,000 New jobs might only last 4-9 years with few opportunities for local people Environmental campaigners are strongly opposed to fracking Shale gas drilling across Britain could create just a third of the jobs David Cameron hoped for, the government has been warned. The Prime Minister has insisted the country could benefit from 74,000 new jobs and could not afford to miss out on "fracking." But a study produced for the energy department suggests that just 24,000 full-time roles could emerge even when the industry is at its "peak. Prediction: Prime Minister David Cameron said 74,000 jobs could be created by fracking in Britain, but the government has been warned the real figure could be much lower The prediction could be a major blow to Mr Cameron's argument in favour of shale gas. In August he argued it would cut energy bills and bring money into local communities through levies on gas firms. He also claimed "fracking will create jobs in Britain." He cited a study which "predicted that 74,000 posts could be supported by a thriving shale-gas industry in this country." Mr Cameron added: "It's not just those involved in the drilling. Just as with North Sea oil and gas, there would be a whole supply chain of new businesses, more investment and fresh expertise. However AMEC, and engineering consultancy that is advising the Department for Energy and Climate Change, suggests the real figure could be much lower. Opposition: Plans by oil firm Cuadrilla to drill in Balcombe, Sussex, were halted after a wave of anti-fracking protests joined by designer Vivienne Westwood According to the Financial Times, at a meeting last month AMEC told DECC officials that just 15,900 to 24,300 - both direct and indirect - would be created at "peak construction" by the shale gas industry. Most jobs would also be short-term, last between four and nine years while fracking sites were built. AMEC also warned that few jobs would go to local people, with only 17 per cent of jobs going to people living near a fracking site at Preese Hall in Lancashire. Mr Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne have been outspoken suporters of fracking in the face of protests about the safety of the process. France last week upheld its nationwide ban on fracking due to fears the process may cause long-term environmental damage.