Houghton and Sunderland South MP, Bridget Phillipson has written to the Vince Cable, the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, following the energy company npower’s announcement that they plan to transfer 430 jobs from their call centre at Rainton Bridge to India, as part of a multi-million pound plan to cut costs.

In her letter sent to the Secretary of State, Bridget has called on the government to provide as much support as possible for those affected by the announcement.

Speaking to the Sunderland Echo after the announcement was made, Bridget said:

“The announcement from npower is a devastating blow for staff at Rainton Bridge, especially with Christmas just around the corner.

“Over 400 families face the prospect of going into the new year trying to secure work in an increasingly tough North-East jobs market.

“I want to see npower taking responsibility for its decision. They need to put in place a support package that goes above and beyond what is required by law.

“In the meantime, I will be working with Sunderland City Council and JobCentre Plus to see what more can be done at a local level.”

You can read the original report by the Sunderland Echo here and the follow report here