British Gas to implement Group-wide efficiency programme to remain competitive in a fast-changing energy market

WINDSOR, 26-Apr-2016 — /EuropaWire/ — In July 2015, after a wide-ranging strategic review, Centrica announced a Group-wide efficiency programme in order to remain competitive in a fast-changing energy market.

British Gas Services, like all parts of Centrica, is implementing this strategy and is proposing to make a reduction of 684 office-based roles. The proposals include the closure of the British Gas Oldbury office, as part of the company’s plan to consolidate its operations on fewer sites.

Over the next 45 days, as part of a full consultation process, the company will discuss the proposals and seek the views of employees and their representatives. If the closure of the Oldbury office is confirmed, British Gas Services would explore redeployment opportunities for people whose roles are affected.

Claire Miles, Managing Director of Customer Operations, said:

“Since last summer British Gas has been implementing a strategy to improve service and reduce costs, to ensure we can price competitively. We must also respond to the changing needs of our customers, and they increasingly want to contact us online.

“For these reasons we are planning to consolidate our activity on fewer sites, and we have made the difficult decision to propose closing our Oldbury office and call centre.”

“I recognise that today’s announcement represents difficult news for our employees who may be affected. Our priority now is to support all those potentially impacted, and to ensure a fair and transparent consultation process, working with our people and their representatives.”

For more information contact:

Leonie Edwards
British Gas
0800 107 7015
07979 566 334
leonie.edwards@britishgas.co.uk

British Gas is Britain’s leading energy supplier, and serves around 11 million homes in Britain – nearly half the country’s homes – as well as providing energy to around half a million British businesses. British Gas provides value for money, dedicated customer service, innovative energy solutions and the highest quality Homes Services expertise in the country. Find out more at www.britishgas.co.uk.