UNISON national officer, Steve Bloomfield, said:
“It is very disappointing to hear of the continued losses being faced by British
Gas. These are almost totally caused by a dysfunctional energy market that
has led to the highest levels of wholesale gas price increases in living
memory.
“But the biggest losers will be low income households. Although the winter
rebates will help, this latest price hike is likely to push many families into
greater debt.
“We hope that the outcome of the Government’s recent Energy Review will
lead to a more rational energy market, based on the real situation that exists
throughout Europe and the rest of the world.
“UNISON has over the last few years co-operated with BG to strip as many
costs out of the business as possible, to ensure it remains a successful and
viable company. Efficiency initiatives over the past year will not be reflected in
the financial statistics for a few years. But, without them the company would
become vulnerable to hostile bids from other Energy Companies.
“UNISON would much prefer to see BG remain in control of its own destiny as
we believe that will be in long term interests of the many thousands of our
members employed by the company.”
ends