Perth-based SSE redundancy consultations draw towards a close
Despite recording an adjusted operating profit of over £2.4 billion for 2024/25 Perth-based energy giant SSE looks set to go ahead with a swathe of redundancies.
In April, Unite the Union said over 300 SSE jobs across Britain and Ireland were at risk with over 150 of those affected in SSE Renewables, based at Dunkeld Road.
Redundancy consultations are now drawing to a close but a Unite national officer said more progress has to be made.
The union has said proposed redundancies in Renewables Services include critical support staff for the control room and those working in maintenance. They added that workers there have already complained about being overworked due to there not being enough staff and have been unable to take proper breaks or time off, putting them at risk of illness and fatigue.
Unite's national officer for Energy and Utilties Simon Coop has been involved in national conversations between SSE and employees.
He said: "There are roles at SSE, based at Perth, which will be at risk of redundancy."
Pushed on how many Perth jobs were at risk, he said: "These are nationwide redundancy consultations so it's difficult to put numbers on it.
"Unite is fighting hard for those affected in order to try and mitigate redundancies and hold SSE accountable during consultations. And we're looking hard to find alternatives and try and mitigate job losses through this period.
"There has been a multitude of redundancy consultations but it is looking that the consultations will end at the end of July; they are now starting to close.
"There are redeployment opportunities and Unite is questioning the business case of SSE, if there are too many job losses at this time and they need to reassess it.
"Progress has been made but more progress has to be made as well.
"Unite will fight for jobs during this consultation."
A spokesperson for SSE said: "After a period of sustained growth, we're undertaking an efficiency review to ensure we continue to operate in the most efficient and effective way possible into the future. We have informed colleagues that this will unfortunately lead to reduced headcount in some parts of our business. We understand this process will be difficult for our teams, and we'll be keeping colleagues informed throughout."
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said in April: "SSE's renewables operation is already extremely profitable and set to become even more so as the demand for renewables increases. The threat of job losses is a cynical attempt driven to further boost the company's profits and not in the interests of workers or consumers.
"Unite will not stand by and watch these workers lose their jobs while shareholders and bosses profit. They have the full support of the union throughout this consultation process."
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