Npower condemned by unions over job cut plans

Energy giant npower has come under attack from union leaders for dealing a "devastating blow" to its workers with plans to axe up to 2,500 jobs.

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: "These huge job losses will come as a devastating blow to the workforce.

"Npower has been in trouble for some time thanks to poor decision-making at the very top, and workers are now paying the price."

Eamon O'Hearn, of the GMB union, said: "Many hard-working staff have already been outsourced and so any further job losses for directly and indirectly employed staff would be another kick in the teeth for communities.

"It also makes a mockery of George Osborne's rhetoric about a northern powerhouse if an energy company can't maintain jobs in the region."