350 to go as YE cuts its bills

Unions were being consulted today over the cuts which will be spread across the region.

There are fears the move could affect some of the 593 staff at the company's depot in Bowling Back Lane, Bradford and the 71 staff based at Low Mill Lane, Keighley.

The Telegraph & Argus understands the Keighley depot could close next year.

A YE spokesman said no decisions had been taken about where there would be redundancies but they would be voluntary. She could not comment on the Keighley depot.

An Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union spokesman said a number of depots, including Keighley, were likely to be closed. But it did not necessarily mean redundancies for the workers, who may go elsewhere.

Staff were being told by management today about the decision - said to be a result of the company being ordered by regulators to reduce electricity bills by £9 a year.

The AEEU said the company would be offering a voluntary package to head office and administrative staff as well as engineers and linesmen. He said it was bad news for customers as well as workers because it would affect maintenance.

The spokesman predicted blackouts which would happen more frequently and last longer because of fewer workers.

YE said it had begun consultation with unions on its plans.

In a statement, Tudor Townsend and Bill Wilkinson, managing directors of the distribution and supply business, said: "The announcement we are making today is the result of factors that impact on our business and in particular, the recent distribution and supply price reviews which are good news for customers, resulting in lower electricity prices in Yorkshire.

"Following the streamlining plans we are announcing to staff today, we are confident we can continue to maintain and safely operate one of the most reliable distribution networks and remain a leading independent energy provider."

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