Electric provider sheds 210 jobs

EPL provides power for small businesses

An electricity provider has announced that it will close its Cardiff offices next year with the loss of 210 jobs.

Economy Power Ltd (EPL) an electricity provider for small businesses, was taken over earlier this year by energy company E.ON UK.

E.ON said the decision to close the Cardiff office at the end of June 2006 followed a review of the business.

The company said staff would be encouraged to apply for alternative posts within E.ON.

In a statement, the company said it hoped employees will remain with the company until April next year, ahead of the closure on 30 June.

'Provide clarity'

Nick Horler, managing director of E.ON UK's retail business, said: "This decision has not been taken lightly.

"Following our acquisition of Economy Power Ltd, we have undertaken a major review into how best to integrate EPL's business with our own.

"We've moved quickly to provide employees with clarity as soon as this decision was made.

"Although I fully appreciate that this is not an easy time for affected employees, we're committed to offering employees as much support as possible to help them find alternative employment."