Energy agency Drax places 350 jobs in danger as session is launched
More than 350 jobs are at risk of being axed at energy firm Drax, with UK staff bearing the brunt of prospective cuts.
Around 300 of the jobs at risk are understood to be based in the UK, although this could change as the consultation process progresses.
The company’s restructure is focused on core services, commercial and Drax Power Station.
Other parts of the business, such as pellets, operations and Drax Energy Services, are understood not to be affected.
The energy company, which operates a major power station in Selby, North Yorkshire, currently employs around 3,000 people across the UK and North America.
Drax said it was ‘evolving its strategy’, adding that the planned changes were ‘key to our long-term success and our continued commitment to deliver UK energy security’.
Job cuts: More than 350 jobs are at risk of being axed at Drax
A spokesperson for the business said it was launching a consultation process in the UK and would be ‘briefing colleagues in North America on changes that could result in a reduction of more than 350 roles across the Drax Group.’
In a statement this week, Drax said: ‘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.’
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, said: ‘It is shameful that a firm making billions such as Drax is choosing to target its staff.
‘It is morally wrong that workers, their families and local communities pay the price for corporate greed.
‘Drax has serious questions to answer about the rationale for this decision. A just transition needs more energy workers with expertise, not fewer, to succeed.
‘Unite will not stand by and allow these highly skilled energy workers to lose their jobs.’
A Drax spokesperson said the recent signing of an agreement with the UK government was a ‘recognition of the important role Drax Power Station will continue to play for UK energy security into the 2030s’.
Drax shares fell 2.73 per cent or 24.50p to 872.00p on Thursday, having risen around 40 per cent in the past year.
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