Drax Group has revealed that they could cut 350 jobs in the UK and North America as part of plans to bolster Britain’s energy sector to produce lower carbon generation.
Drax Group has started consultations in the UK and is set to inform workers in North America over potential job cuts and changed to the North Yorkshire based energy business.
They said in a statement, “As the global business and energy landscape continues to develop, we’re evolving our strategy to ensure we’re building a strong, resilient business for the future.
“The recent signing of the low-carbon dispatchable CfD agreement is recognition of the important role that Drax Power Station will continue to play for UK energy security into the 2030s.
“Moving forwards, we’re focused on driving growth in our flexible generation business, creating new options and opportunities at Drax Power Station beyond 2031, and advancing future uses of sustainable biomass.
“To help realise these opportunities, we’re adapting our organisational structure. As a part of that process, we are commencing a consultation process in the UK, and will be briefing colleagues in North America on changes that could result in a reduction of more than 350 roles across the Drax Group.”
Deanne Ferguson, GMB senior organiser, said, “You can’t build a low-carbon future by making skilled energy workers redundant.
“Drax has had huge public subsidies – yet has betrayed the workforce and the communities that have supported it.
“A just transition means secure jobs, proper planning and workers at the heart of change. Ministers need to step in and make sure the reality matches their rhetoric. GMB will fight for nothing less.”
The Drax spokesman said, “We believe these changes are key to our long-term success and our continued commitment to deliver UK energy security and to support the energy transition.
“This is in no way a reflection of the professionalism, passion and commitment that our colleagues have shown.
“We will support our colleagues as we develop these proposals and work closely with our unions and elected employee representatives as we implement them.”
