UNISON enters into recognition agreement with EDF Renewables

UNISON, together with Unite, Prospect and GMB, has entered into a recognition agreement with renewables energy developer EDF Renewables UK and Ireland.

The agreement will cover the company’s 633 staff, who work in five offices, eight service centres and 44 renewable energy sites across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The new agreement commits the trade unions and the company to work collaboratively to develop and grow the business and to provide high-quality jobs and a positive employee experience. Health, safety, wellbeing and skills pipeline development will be priority areas for discussion.

UNISON has a longstanding relationship with EDF UK, one of the two shareholders of EDF Renewables UK and Ireland.

Matthieu Hue, the CEO of EDF Renewables UK and Ireland, said: “We are proud to be one of the first renewable developers to sign an agreement like this with the four trade unions. Our ambition is to have a 10GW capacity by 2035 and that means over the next 10 years there will be significant growth in our business.

“I firmly believe that working with the unions will allow us to have an extra level of support which will help us get to where we want to be. I look forward to working closely with them all.” 

Donna Rowe-Merriman, UNISON national secretary and head of energy said: “This agreement marks a pivotal moment in the energy industry’s shift to cleaner, renewable sources, proving collaboration is essential and effective.

“Unions play a crucial role in supporting?current and future employees at EDF Renewables. UNISON is committed to working closely with EDF as the UK embraces a renewable energy future.”

Tracey Wainwright, UNISON NEC and energy member said: “The signing of this agreement is a significant milestone for UNISON. As our industry transitions to green energy production, it is only right that the trade unions have a seat at the table.

“As an industry, we need to ensure that all workers are treated fairly. We have a clear path for a just transition for those currently employed in the carbon intensive arms of our industry, while protecting those communities that are built around and rely on our industry to make a living.”

Lindsay McNaught, the chair of UNISON’s energy service group executive commented: “UNISON is the biggest union in the UK and a leading presence in the energy sector, with members in all the major companies, including EDF.

“Our members work across many parts of the business and we have a network of union reps who are always on hand to offer help when you need it and to represent your interests.

“UNISON is keen to develop a network of reps across the renewables sector – especially health and safety activists and union learning reps keen to develop the skills agenda in this expanding area.”

The article UNISON enters into recognition agreement with EDF Renewables first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON enters into recognition agreement with EDF Renewables

UNISON, together with Unite, Prospect and GMB, has entered into a recognition agreement with renewables energy developer EDF Renewables UK and Ireland.

The agreement will cover the company’s 633 staff, who work in five offices, eight service centres and 44 renewable energy sites across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The new agreement commits the trade unions and the company to work collaboratively to develop and grow the business and to provide high-quality jobs and a positive employee experience. Health, safety, wellbeing and skills pipeline development will be priority areas for discussion.

UNISON has a longstanding relationship with EDF UK, one of the two shareholders of EDF Renewables UK and Ireland.

Matthieu Hue, the CEO of EDF Renewables UK and Ireland, said: “We are proud to be one of the first renewable developers to sign an agreement like this with the four trade unions. Our ambition is to have a 10GW capacity by 2035 and that means over the next 10 years there will be significant growth in our business.

“I firmly believe that working with the unions will allow us to have an extra level of support which will help us get to where we want to be. I look forward to working closely with them all.” 

Donna Rowe-Merriman, UNISON national secretary and head of energy said: “This agreement marks a pivotal moment in the energy industry’s shift to cleaner, renewable sources, proving collaboration is essential and effective.

“Unions play a crucial role in supporting?current and future employees at EDF Renewables. UNISON is committed to working closely with EDF as the UK embraces a renewable energy future.”

Tracey Wainwright, UNISON NEC and energy member said: “The signing of this agreement is a significant milestone for UNISON. As our industry transitions to green energy production, it is only right that the trade unions have a seat at the table.

“As an industry, we need to ensure that all workers are treated fairly. We have a clear path for a just transition for those currently employed in the carbon intensive arms of our industry, while protecting those communities that are built around and rely on our industry to make a living.”

Lindsay McNaught, the chair of UNISON’s energy service group executive commented: “UNISON is the biggest union in the UK and a leading presence in the energy sector, with members in all the major companies, including EDF.

“Our members work across many parts of the business and we have a network of union reps who are always on hand to offer help when you need it and to represent your interests.

“UNISON is keen to develop a network of reps across the renewables sector – especially health and safety activists and union learning reps keen to develop the skills agenda in this expanding area.”

The article UNISON enters into recognition agreement with EDF Renewables first appeared on the UNISON National site.

GB Energy will boost the economy and bring bills down

Commenting on the introduction of the GB Energy Bill and the creation of the government’s new publicly owned company aimed at making the UK a ‘clean energy superpower’ today (Thursday), UNISON head of environment Donna Rowe- Merriman said:

“It’s high time for the energy sector to move to the next level. GB Energy’s promising goals will generate profits and support the transition to cleaner power.

“The move offers a unique opportunity for workers to develop new skills for a green economy and meet the energy needs of the future.

“The creation of GB Energy’s local power plans will also encourage councils and communities to explore how they can develop renewable energy locally.

“This strong statement of intent will fulfil the new government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, boost economic growth and bring energy bills down for all.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk

The article GB Energy will boost the economy and bring bills down first appeared on the UNISON National site.

GB Energy will boost the economy and bring bills down

Commenting on the introduction of the GB Energy Bill and the creation of the government’s new publicly owned company aimed at making the UK a ‘clean energy superpower’ today (Thursday), UNISON head of environment Donna Rowe- Merriman said:

“It’s high time for the energy sector to move to the next level. GB Energy’s promising goals will generate profits and support the transition to cleaner power.

“The move offers a unique opportunity for workers to develop new skills for a green economy and meet the energy needs of the future.

“The creation of GB Energy’s local power plans will also encourage councils and communities to explore how they can develop renewable energy locally.

“This strong statement of intent will fulfil the new government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, boost economic growth and bring energy bills down for all.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk

The article GB Energy will boost the economy and bring bills down first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON raises concerns over UK energy security

UNISON has raised concerns with energy company National Grid over its announcement to sell the Grain Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal, located in Kent.

National Grid is a private energy company operating in the UK and US and the largest electricity transmission and distribution business in the UK. 

The Grain LNG terminal is the UK and Europe’s largest terminal importing LNG to the country. UNISON is concerned that the decision to sell it could have a negative impact on the UK’s energy security. The union is therefore calling on the government to intervene in the decision.

UNISON head of energy Donna Rowe-Merriman said: “The announcement by US-owned National Grid fundamentally undermines UK energy security. This is a market-driven decision and not in the best interest of the UK.

“This decision leaves UK energy security vulnerable. Any decision on the future of Grain LNG and National Grid Ventures must be part of a longer-term view in relation to energy policy and security. Any sale must be a political decision taking account of the impacts on the UK’s future energy security. 

“The UK government must intervene immediately to ensure that no sale takes place before the general election.

“Ministers must act now – and not use the dissolution of Parliament as an excuse to bury their heads in the sand on important decisions of national energy security.”

The article UNISON raises concerns over UK energy security first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON raises concerns over UK energy security

UNISON has raised concerns with energy company National Grid over its announcement to sell the Grain Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal, located in Kent.

National Grid is a private energy company operating in the UK and US and the largest electricity transmission and distribution business in the UK. 

The Grain LNG terminal is the UK and Europe’s largest terminal importing LNG to the country. UNISON is concerned that the decision to sell it could have a negative impact on the UK’s energy security. The union is therefore calling on the government to intervene in the decision.

UNISON head of energy Donna Rowe-Merriman said: “The announcement by US-owned National Grid fundamentally undermines UK energy security. This is a market-driven decision and not in the best interest of the UK.

“This decision leaves UK energy security vulnerable. Any decision on the future of Grain LNG and National Grid Ventures must be part of a longer-term view in relation to energy policy and security. Any sale must be a political decision taking account of the impacts on the UK’s future energy security. 

“The UK government must intervene immediately to ensure that no sale takes place before the general election.

“Ministers must act now – and not use the dissolution of Parliament as an excuse to bury their heads in the sand on important decisions of national energy security.”

The article UNISON raises concerns over UK energy security first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Energy firm OVO release must halt job cut plans and find another solution

Responding to an announcement to staff today (Tuesday) that a further 250 jobs are at risk at energy firm OVO, UNISON head of business Donna Rowe-Merriman said:

“This is another cruel blow and staff are understandably worried about the future.

“OVO has completely failed to explain why more redundancies are even necessary. There may be many other ways to secure the future of the firm.

“Job cuts and restructuring have been coming thick and fast at the company, which suggests that things haven’t been run very well.

“Endless cuts are also bad news for customers. These job losses will take a massive toll on OVO’s ability to provide key services and give the public the human touch they expect and deserve.

“UNISON will be writing to the power regulator Ofgem to raise concerns about the company’s ability to comply with its duties.

“OVO bosses must now work with unions to find better ways forward.”

Notes to editors:
– Previous job cuts announced by OVO include more than 100 in October 2023 and upwards of 1,700 in January 2022.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Danny Phillips M: 07944 664110 E: d.phillips@unison.co.uk

The article Energy firm OVO release must halt job cut plans and find another solution first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Energy firm OVO must halt job cut plans and find another solution

Responding to an announcement to staff today (Tuesday) that a further 250 jobs are at risk at energy firm OVO, UNISON head of business Donna Rowe-Merriman said:

“This is another cruel blow and staff are understandably worried about the future.

“OVO has completely failed to explain why more redundancies are even necessary. There may be many other ways to secure the future of the firm.

“Job cuts and restructuring have been coming thick and fast at the company, which suggests that things haven’t been run very well.

“Endless cuts are also bad news for customers. These job losses will take a massive toll on OVO’s ability to provide key services and give the public the human touch they expect and deserve.

“UNISON will be writing to the power regulator Ofgem to raise concerns about the company’s ability to comply with its duties.

“OVO bosses must now work with unions to find better ways forward.”

Notes to editors:
– Previous job cuts announced by OVO include more than 100 in October 2023 and upwards of 1,700 in January 2022.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Danny Phillips M: 07944 664110 E: d.phillips@unison.co.uk

The article Energy firm OVO must halt job cut plans and find another solution first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON condemns ‘disgraceful’ approval for North Sea oil field

                                                                                                                       © Bill Kasman

UNISON today joined environmental campaigners and others in condemning the “disgraceful” go-ahead for a new oil and gas field off the coast of Shetland.

The UK’s oil and gas regulator, the North Sea Transition Authority, has granted permission to Oslo-listed Equinor and the British firm Ithaca Energy to develop the Rosebank field.

The Guardian reported that green campaigners, including Greta Thunberg, had called on the UK government to halt the development, arguing that it contravened Britain’s plan for a net zero economy.

Posting online, Green Party MP Caroline Lucas called the move “the greatest act of environmental vandalism in my lifetime”.

UNISON is standing with Stop Climate Chaos Scotland in calling for a managed phase down of oil and gas production in the North Sea, as part of a just transition for workers and communities.

And UNISON policy offer Michelle Singleton said today: “We condemn today’s disgraceful go-ahead for Rosebank.

“Despite committing to a policy of reducing oil and gas, these licences to drill for more have now been granted ­– it should be obvious you can’t reduce something by having more of it.”

Ms Singleton added that the new field would not increase the UK’s energy security, since the oil taken would likely be sold on the global market.

“Unless the government was to nationalise the fields, it will have no control over where the output goes, so it won’t necessarily come to us. And for the same reason, it will not make our energy bills cheaper.

“Plus, renewable energy is much, much, cheaper, so if the government were serious about the household price of energy it would invest more to scale up renewable options.”

The UK ought to be showing leadership on the climate issue, she added.

“Even the Tory chair of the climate change committee, Lord Deben, noted that ‘We can’t ask other people to restrain their production if we don’t do it ourselves’. Somebody must show international leadership in tackling climate change. It looks like it won’t be the UK.”

The article UNISON condemns ‘disgraceful’ approval for North Sea oil field first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON condemns ‘disgraceful’ approval for North Sea oil field

                                                                                                                       © Bill Kasman

UNISON today joined environmental campaigners and others in condemning the “disgraceful” go-ahead for a new oil and gas field off the coast of Shetland.

The UK’s oil and gas regulator, the North Sea Transition Authority, has granted permission to Oslo-listed Equinor and the British firm Ithaca Energy to develop the Rosebank field.

The Guardian reported that green campaigners, including Greta Thunberg, had called on the UK government to halt the development, arguing that it contravened Britain’s plan for a net zero economy.

Posting online, Green Party MP Caroline Lucas called the move “the greatest act of environmental vandalism in my lifetime”.

UNISON is standing with Stop Climate Chaos Scotland in calling for a managed phase down of oil and gas production in the North Sea, as part of a just transition for workers and communities.

And UNISON policy offer Michelle Singleton said today: “We condemn today’s disgraceful go-ahead for Rosebank.

“Despite committing to a policy of reducing oil and gas, these licences to drill for more have now been granted ­– it should be obvious you can’t reduce something by having more of it.”

Ms Singleton added that the new field would not increase the UK’s energy security, since the oil taken would likely be sold on the global market.

“Unless the government was to nationalise the fields, it will have no control over where the output goes, so it won’t necessarily come to us. And for the same reason, it will not make our energy bills cheaper.

“Plus, renewable energy is much, much, cheaper, so if the government were serious about the household price of energy it would invest more to scale up renewable options.”

The UK ought to be showing leadership on the climate issue, she added.

“Even the Tory chair of the climate change committee, Lord Deben, noted that ‘We can’t ask other people to restrain their production if we don’t do it ourselves’. Somebody must show international leadership in tackling climate change. It looks like it won’t be the UK.”

The article UNISON condemns ‘disgraceful’ approval for North Sea oil field first appeared on the UNISON National site.