Unite slams SSE's renewables job cuts as 'cynical'

(Sharecast News) - The Unite union has labelled SSE's planned job cuts from its renewables division as a "cynical attempt" to raise profitability. SSE announced this week that more than 300 British and Irish workers are facing the risk of job losses, with more than 150 of those affected working for its Renewable Services unit.

The energy firm said the redundancies are part of an "efficiency review" across the entire business, with the head of SSE Renewables citing "a range of economic and other factors that could no longer be ignored", according to an internal memo seen by The Times.

"After a period of sustained growth, we're undertaking an efficiency review to ensure we continue to operate in the most efficient and effective way possible into the future," an SSE spokesperson said on Monday. "We have informed colleagues that this will unfortunately lead to reduced headcount in some parts of our business."

However, Unite said the plans come despite SSE being profitable and renewables being a major driver of growth.

Renewables made an adjusted operating profit of £326m for SSE in 2024, up from just £87m the year before. Reports earlier this year revealed that SSE's renewable energy generation output was up 26% over the first nine months of the fiscal year.

"SSE's renewables operation is already extremely profitable and set to become even more so as the demand for renewables increases. The threat of job losses is a cynical attempt driven to further boost the company's profits and not in the interests of workers or consumers," said United general secretary Sharon Graham.

"Unite will not stand by and watch these workers lose their jobs while shareholders and bosses profit. They have the full support of the union throughout this consultation process."

SSE shares were up 1.3% at 1,554p on Friday afternoon.