Bridget Phillipson, MP for Houghton and Sunderland South, has reacted positively to news that 400 proposed redundancies at the npowerRainton Bridge call centre may now not be necessary.

On 10 FebruaryBridget wrote to npowerto request an update on the situation.

npowerCEO Paul Massarareplied that following a consultation period the number of compulsory redundancies across the country was likely to besignificantlyless than anticipated due to a higher than expected uptake of voluntary redundancies at other npower sites.

The company expressed optimism that this would renderany compulsory redundancies at Rainton Bridge unnecessary.

It also confirmed that RaintonHouse would continue to be the company’s flagship contact centre and the base for 2200 local employees.

Now Bridget has written to npoweragain to seek confirmation of exactly how many compulsory redundancies there will be at Rainton Bridge.

Commenting on the news, Bridget said:

“I am relieved that so many of the workers at the Rainton Bridge site may not now be made redundant.

“I know this has been a very worrying time for them and npower’s announcement of the possibility offewer compulsory redundancies is certainly welcome. However, there will still be a high number of voluntary redundancies, and we need to ensure that the necessary support mechanisms are in place for those who are losing their jobs.

“It’s important that npoweris clear on this issue, and that’s why I have written to them again to confirm the exact number of compulsory redundancies, if any, that will be imposedat RaintonBridge. I am also seeking assurances that npower will continue to offer ongoing support to all staff affected during this worrying time.”

The 14 February letter from npowercan be found below:

Bridget’s 18 March letter in response follows here: