Over 200 jobs to go at Ovo Energy in Perth
Conformation comes after a second meeting of Perthshire politicians and the energy firm
Ovo energy chiefs have today confirmed that they expect to see over two hundred job losses in Perth as they look to close their base in the Fair City.
The closure was announced in January as the energy firm announced plans to cut a quarter of their workforce across the UK and reduce their number of offices from 10 to three.
READ MORE: 'Sadness' and 'anger' in Perth as Ovo set to close its office in the fair city
Conformation comes following a second virtual meeting with Adrian Letts, Retail CEO of OVO Energy Ltd and Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire, John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and MP for Perthshire North and Jim Fairlie MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire.
The first meeting was described as "unsatisfactory" by Pete Wishart as they gained no clarity over the future of the Perth workforce.
READ MORE: 'Unsatisfactory' meeting with Ovo provides no clarity over Perth jobs
Also confirmed in todays meeting is the news that no compulsory redundancies will be made following a high uptake of the firms voluntary redundancy programme.
On today's meeting, Pete Wishart said: “It is reassuring to hear that OVO are not making any compulsory redundancies following a high uptake of their voluntary redundancy programme.
“However, the news that over 222 jobs are set to be lost in Perth is still a devastating blow to the local labour market. These are people who live and socialise in the area, providing business to local amenities, and who may now be planning to move elsewhere. It is now vital for OVO to prioritise retaining the Perth staff who will be working from home by offering any support they may need.
“It is also extremely regrettable that OVO are not considering an alternative use for their Perth base. This is a state-of-the-art facility that cannot simply be left to rot, and I will be pushing OVO to ensure that does not happen.”
John Swinney added: “Whilst it is good news that there will be no compulsory redundancy programme, the loss of 222 jobs will still have a potentially serious impact on the local Perthshire economy.
“To that end, I am keen to get further information regarding the status of those taking voluntary redundancy, with a particular emphasis on how many have found new jobs. OVO have agreed that they will look into this matter for us and report back with their findings.
“I am also keen to explore opportunities for the continued use of the Perth office, so as to ensure that the facility does not lie vacant. It is my understanding that preliminary discussions are underway regarding this and I will continue to monitor this matter closely.”
Jim Fairlie said: “Whilst I am pleased that OVO are not having to consider compulsory redundancies, it remains fundamentally disappointing that they will not reconsider the closure of their Perth office.
"I am pleased that a high percentage of Perth-based employees have taken the decision to stay with the company, but will be pressing them to ensure that the promised permanent home working support is adequately delivered. It is vital that the Perth office finds a new purpose, and I am keen to work to find a business who can give a long-term commitment to the site.”