Unite the union fears that E.ON is planning to sell its UK electricity distribution business, leaving 1,000 workers and the second largest distribution network in the UK exposed to potential buyers, who may put profits before people, pensions and the national interest.

E.ON intends to divest some of its UK assets to reduce its levels of debt. Unite believes the distribution business is the most likely asset to be divested. The union is demanding to have oversight over any potential bidders to ensure the business is not sold to a bad purchaser, putting the network, jobs and pensions at risk.


Dougie Rooney, Unite National Officer for energy said: "We believe there is a strong likelihood that E.ON will sell its UK electricity distribution business leaving the network, jobs and pensions exposed to potential buyers seeking to put short term profits first.

"The UK's second largest electricity distribution network is too important to be sold to the wrong bidder. Unite is demanding oversight of any bids should E.ON decide to sell the business. We also believe the UK government should take an active interest in the event of a sale, for the sake of the nation's energy needs."

EDF recently sold its UK distribution business, the UK's biggest, to Hong Kong based infrastructure fund, Cheung Kong Investments (CKI). Unite believes CKI's bid represented the best offer, but the union had concerns over the other bidders.

(CD/GK)