E.ON to cut 500 jobs across the UK

Energy supplier E.ON announced on Wednesday it seeks to cut around 500 jobs across its UK operations.

The company explained that it is looking to reduce numbers across non-customer facing departments in a move to transform how it operates, improving efficiency and continuing to innovate in its services for customers.

E.ON currently employs more than 9,400 people across the UK and is dealing with a market marked by fast changes and an increasingly competitive environment.

The reductions will help the company achieve savings of around £100m across its mid-term plan. It also offers support to those affected by the job cuts although it is still uncertain how many individuals will be laid off or what business areas will be hit.

Michael Lewis, Chief Executive of E.ON UK, said: "We're always looking to make sure we’re equipped to respond to the rapid pace and challenges of the UK energy market and we know we can never stand still if we are to continue giving customers a high quality and cost-effective service.

"We've undertaken a rigorous review of our options to ensure we keep costs as low as possible, become a more agile organisation and remain a sustainable business in the UK. In discussion with trade unions we've identified potential reductions of around 500 roles across the UK and we’re committed to achieving these reductions on a voluntary basis wherever possible."

"I'm very aware this will be a difficult time for our colleagues but our aim has always been to keep uncertainty to a minimum and I can assure everyone affected that we'll be as supportive as we can."