Energy giant OVO has announced that there will be a total of 222 job losses at its Perth office.
The employees are to take voluntary redundancy, with OVO saying the high uptake means no compulsory redundancy programme has been required.
Plans to close the energy company’s office on Dunkeld Road, first announced in January, will still go ahead with the remaining Perth staff to work from home.
The move to close the Perth office proved controversial after promises were made by OVO that there would be no job losses when it bought over SSE’s retail arm in 2020.
OVO Energy is shedding 1700 jobs across the UK as part of a restructure programme.
The number of job losses were revealed at a virtual meeting between retail CEO of OVO Energy Ltd Adrian Letts and Perthshire politicians Pete Wishart, John Swinney and Jim Fairlie on Tuesday.
Following the meeting, Perth and North Perthshire MP Mr Wishart said: “It is reassuring to hear that OVO are not making any compulsory redundancies following a high uptake of their voluntary redundancy programme. However, the news that over 222 jobs are set to be lost in Perth is still a devastating blow to the local labour market.
“It is now vital for OVO to prioritise retaining the Perth staff who will be working from home by offering any support they may need.”
MSP for Perthshire North Mr Swinney added that it is “good news” that there will be no compulsory redundancy programme, but that job losses will still have a “potentially serious impact” on the local Perthshire economy.
He added: “I am also keen to explore opportunities for the continued use of the Perth office, so as to ensure that the facility does not lie vacant.”
MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire Mr Fairlie added: “Whilst I am pleased that OVO are not having to consider compulsory redundancies, it remains fundamentally disappointing that they will not reconsider the closure of their Perth office.
“I am pleased that a high percentage of Perth-based employees have taken the decision to stay with the company, but will be pressing them to ensure that the promised permanent home working support is adequately delivered.”
Local MSPs Liz Smith and Murdo Fraser both expressed disappointment on hearing of the job losses for OVO staff in Perth.
Liz Smith, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, said: “While many OVO Perth staff will be working from home, this decision means the end of a presence at the Perth site, and seems sadly to be a sign of the times.”
Murdo Fraser, who represents the same region, added: “This announcement will be a big blow to the local economy, and means the Perth site will become vacant.”
