E.ON axes 800 jobs after call centre closure

Energy firm E.ON is set to close its Essex based call centre which will see up to 800 jobs axed as part of its new strategy to 'streamline' customer service operations.

The German-based company, who supplies electricity to over 5 million customers throughout the UK will be cutting 600 call centre jobs from its Rayleigh site, near Southend, a further 75 jobs will also go from the company's IT support teams and 125 posts from its Energy Services operation.

Managing director of E.ON's retail business, Graham Bartlett released a statement saying that the firm understands the effect that their decision will cause on work colleagues but the fact of the matter is that the company has only just returned to profit after many years of loss-making and to ensure the future of the company, the firm must make tough choices.

E.ON has claimed that their restructuring plans would lead to new job creation in other areas. The firm stated that some staff would be allowed to relocate to other sites whilst others are being offered redundancy packages.

Dave Prentis, general secretary of Unison said that the union are looking to set up meetings with the company and are urging the Government to intervene. The argument that Unison wants to make clear is that E.ON is making huge profits and has no real reason to make 'outrageous cuts'.

Job Centre Vacancies says: Firms that axe staff always get bad press but as their managing director said, they are a retail businesses that need to operate at a profit. They do owe it to their staff to provide job security but the larger picture could see further job losses if the company completely shut down its operations in the UK. If the Government want to prevent further job losses and reduce unemployment rates it's time for them to step in and take action supporting large firms operating in Britain.

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