172 jobs at risk with Ferrybridge power station closing in March 2016

Workers and families in West Yorkshire have been left feeling devastated by the news that Ferrybridge power station will close down in March 2016.

After conducting a review, energy company SSE has decided to cease operations at the 48-year-old power station because it isn’t economical.

SSE revealed thatcosts to keep the plant open are rising due to its age and losses of £100m over the next five years are expected to occur, as reported in the Independant.

Paul Smith, SSE managing director of generation, said: “This was a very difficult decision to take because of the impact on our Ferrybridge employees, their families and the community.

“It’s been known for many years that the UK would have to phase out coal as it moves towards a more sustainable energy mix. We’ve sought to protect jobs and invest in the site to keep it running for as long as we possibly could but ultimately we’ve had to make this regrettable decision today.”

SSE will aim to redeploy the 172 workers affected by the announcement to other sites where possible.

Mr Smith said: “Our team at Ferrybridge is highly skilled, dedicated, with a strong track record of performance, and we’re keen to ensure, where possible, that staff are redeployed across other parts of the SSE group, for example at the nearby Keadby power station, or across the wider business.

“We appreciate it is a concerning time for our employees and our priority is to support them over the coming weeks and months and ensure they have a range of options available to them for the future.”

Yvette Cooper, Labour MP for Normanton, Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, tweeted: “Dreadful news that SSE plan to close Ferrybridge C next year inc 170 local jobs. Seeking urgent meetings with SSE, union & workforce.”

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