Ovo Energy’s Shake‑Up – 1,700 Workers Down, the Union Fights Back
It’s a hard‑to‑take‑away reality: Ovo Energy, the provider that powers 4.5 million homes, has just announced a brutal reduction of its office footprint from ten locations to just three. The company will cut about 1,700 staff – roughly a quarter of its workforce. Workers are bruised, unions are furious, and the government is being slammed for doing nothing about the ongoing energy crisis.
Why the Cut?
- Cost‑Cutting Sprint – Ovo wants something between a viral marketing drill and a “lean” factory approach.
- Customer Surge – With a massive customer base, the company is trimming roles while trying to pad pay‑checks.
- Union Pushback – Unions say it’s a betrayal to those who stuck with the company through COVID and the recent energy drama.
The Union’s Stand‑Up Moment
General Secretary Sharon Graham pronounced a rallying cry: “We’ll defend our members’ jobs, no matter what. They’re taking on a pandemic, not a paycheck.”
Simon Coop (Unite) scooped: “We warned the directors about the SSE takeover. The same folks have siphoned off around £5 million in mismanagement. If the company drives compulsory layoffs, the union will give a full-on fight.”
Gary Carter (GMB) highlighted the pain: “Now’s the not‑so‑fair time for layoffs. After COVID, people already stretched thin—imagine the energy crisis piling on.”
Matt Lay (Unison) decried the move: “The cut will hurt local economies, break the workforce, and get fans of customer service left in the lurch.”
Sue Ferns (Prospect) added a performance‑critical note: “These job cuts reflect how a broken energy market kills its workforce. We’re working to lessen the blow.”
What About the Pay Rise?
Ovo’s silver lining: a 15% bump to a minimum wage of £12 per hour for 1,000 workers. It’s a small bright spot, but the majority will still face job loss.
Government’s Role? None, It’s Hard to Believe
- No action to mitigate the energy crisis.
- “We’re all paying the price,” the unions say.
- Calls for ministers to “roll up sleeves” and break the impasse.
What’s Next?
Unions are demanding every option be explored—open objections, retraining, consolidation, and even a push to involve the energy‑efficiency push before net‑zero goals slide away.
In the end, the story’s chilling: 1,700 roles vanish; the public’s trust takes a smash blow; governments face inaction. The on‑us, the workers, the unions, and the public all stand to feel the fallout. Let’s keep an eye on the next moves, and hope that if those budgets are run tighter, something better can still emerge.
