EDF Energy has confirmed its intention to furlough around a third of its nearly 1,200 field workers in the UK whilst giving assurances they will retain 100 per cent of their normal salary and benefits.
The company said it will begin contacting the roughly 400 meter installers and debt collectors affected by the decision today (29 April). Those who are not furloughed will continue to work as either on-call emergency staff or volunteers for community schemes, for example, delivering medication to the sick and elderly.
“We have done everything possible to prevent furloughing colleagues including redeploying some of our people to deliver essential medicines for Boots, Avicenna and Lloyds,” said a spokesperson.
“Despite this, the impact of this pandemic on our business activities means we have to furlough approximately 400 colleagues and will begin the process of communicating with them today.
“We understand this will be an anxious time for many families, which is why we will ensure all colleagues are supported. These furloughed colleagues will receive 100 per cent of their normal salary and benefits.”
EDF Energy said the furloughed staff represent only 3 per cent of its total UK workforce. Last month, the company sent home around half of the 4,000 people working on the construction of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset.
The Unite union put the number of staff to be furloughed at 498 out of 1,193 field workers. Regional officer Onay Kasab said: “The agreement reached with EDF Energy will protect the pay and jobs of our members during the current coronavirus crisis.
“What we have achieved is the fundamental and central role of a trade union – defending workers’ interests in the workplace, through thick and thin, and especially so when times are particularly hard.”