Member Article

Jobs go at National Grid

The National Grid has announced the loss of 163 jobs with the closure of its Newcastle office after taking a decision to outsource HR and finance positions to India.

Company officials said those affected would be given the opportunity to apply for other jobs in the organisation, arguing the cuts are needed to improve efficiency and ensure value for money for consumers.

“National Grid has a great track record in looking after its employees through change. We strongly encourage staff to take up positions elsewhere in the company and to investigate retraining for other available roles,” Steven Noonan, director of UK shared services, said.

“For those who choose to leave the company, we offer generous severance packages and we provide outplacement support to help them find alternative work,” he added.

GMB spokesman Gary Smith criticised the timing and impact of the move, warning that the union planned to fight the decision.

“National Grid have been trying to deny for many months what they have confirmed today,” he said on Friday.

“GMB will not accept that this company which makes multi-billions profits as a monopoly supplier has the right to export these jobs from UK at a time of very high unemployment across the land. We pledge to step up our fight to stop this national greed.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .