Grid staff strike over job fears

Almost 200 National Grid workers on Tyneside are taking part in a 24-hour stoppage over plans to outsource work to India.

About 180 members of Unison and GMB unions say jobs in Newcastle, Warwick and Northampton are at risk as the company tries to save £7m.

The electricity transmission and gas pipeline firm says no final decision on job losses has been made.

But union bosses claim hundreds of jobs at the three sites are at risk.

Staff affected work in the company's shared services operations and are responsible for invoicing, procurement and human resources.

'Loyal staff'

Friday's midday walkout follows a ballot, which saw 95% of union members opt for a 24-hour stoppage.

Gary Smith, GMB national secretary for energy, said: "This is a shameful example of corporate greed that a hugely profitable UK business is threatening to sack loyal and dedicated staff.

"National Grid favours offshoring work currently done in the UK to India."

Mike Jeram, national officer of Unison, said "When the company says that it has not made a decision on the future of the Newcastle operation its employees do not believe them.

"This is a tremendous vote in favour of industrial action and it is time for the company to seriously start negotiating."

A spokesman for National Grid said: "National Grid has a duty to make sure it is delivering its services to customers as efficiently and effectively as possible.

"But no final decision has yet been made about the way forward, we have not taken any decisions to outsource any services or close any location."

The action will not affect power supplies.