Clean energy firm Mark Group cuts hundreds of jobs

International insulation and solar energy company Mark Group has announced its decision to axe nearly 1,000 jobs.

The Leicester-headquartered firm, which has a base on Europa Boulevard in Warrington, is letting 939 staff go with immediate effect and confirmed that another 226 jobs are also at risk.

Mark Group, which operates a network of 13 centres across the UK, is reported to have struggled following the government’s decision last year to cut energy efficiency schemes.

US-based renewable energy firm SunEdison bought Mark Group in July with plans to shift the company’s focus from insulation to solar panels, but the government cut solar panel subsidies the month following.

According to a report in the Telegraph, Mark Group said in a statement: “The turnaround plan, which was already underway, focused on solar PV but the government’s recent policy announcements mean this is no longer viable.”

Doug Parr, the chief scientist of environmental lobby group Greenpeace UK, lambasted Chancellor George Osborne’s plans for the UK’s clean energy sector.

He said: “Evidence is growing that the Chancellor’s policies are putting people out of jobs, damaging investment, and harming one of the country’s most promising industries.”

A spokesman for the Department of Energy and Climate Change spokesperson, meanwhile, called the job losses “regrettable”.

They commented: “We sympathise with those affected, but commercial decisions are a matter for the company concerned.

“Our priority is to keep bills as low as possible for hardworking families and businesses.”