Unions and npower seek solution to staff move

Apr 9 2009 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

UNIONS and energy bosses have promised to work together as npower prepares to move more than 900 staff from Newcastle city centre to Wearside.

The energy giant said this week it had committed itself to the region with plans to relocate staff to Northern Rock’s vacant offices at the Rainton Bridge business park at Houghton-le-Spring.

The news was greeted with concern by union bosses at GMB, who were worried the existing Tyneside workforce would have to travel much further to work with no compensation.

And now regional officers at Unison have asked for talks with npower to look at increasing staff travel allowances and the possibility of introducing a new bus route.

Daniel Alderson, unison branch secretary, said: "We see the move as a demonstration of the company's commitment to the North East.

“However there needs to be recognition that staff could be put in difficulties and will need the assistance of the company.

“Unison will be organising consultation sessions with their members after the Easter break to give them a chance to express their concerns and for the union to take these up with npower.

"Our aim must be to ensure no one in the company will be worse off because of this move, jobs are secure and the company expands."

Last night npower said they were confident they could reach an agreement which would help reduce the impact of the changes.