BRITISH GAS FACING EXODUS IN PAY ROW
Union claim milllions of customers might switch over firm’s tactics
The firm’s 20,000 workers have been told they could lose their jobs if they do not agree to new terms on less pay.
Chief executive Chris O’Shea is determined to drive through the scheme, which has led to a series of strikes – with more to come this week.
But 71 per cent of people surveyed by the GMB union – including 400 who already use the energy giant – said they would be likely to go elsewhere.
The company supplies energy to more than 11 million homes in the UK.
Parent company Centrica recorded a pre-tax profit of £901million in 2019.
The GMB, which represents 7,000 British Gas workers, last night warned of the rise of “fire and rehire” to boost coffers.
National Secretary Justin Bowden said: “It’s abundantly clear the tactic is hated by politicians of all stripes, and the general public. If British Gas get away with this, how many other employers would see it as a green light?”
Staff burned their contracts outside Centrica offices this week as engineers walked out on Wednesday and Friday.
They plan to strike again tomorrow and for four days starting on Friday.
Centrica insists it must “modernise” contracts to protect jobs after losing half its earnings in the past 10 years.
It says base pay – around £40,000 a year – and pensions will be unchanged.
But the poll shown to the Sunday Mirror shows 47 per cent of people believe savings should be made by cutting the pay of top Centrica bosses.
The GMB says four British Gas board members have earned £37million in roles outside the company since 2015. Mr Bowden added: “A company with £22billion turnover should be using incentives, not force.”
Centrica said: “We’re operating in a competitive market and have lost too many jobs and too many customers over recent years.
“We’ve offered a fair deal and 83 per cent of our employees have agreed to the new terms.”