British Gas workers strike outside Leeds office in protest over 'fire and rehire' tactics at parent company Centrica

Workers are currently on their fifth day of strikes which have been taking place at the British Gas offices in Leeds.

Trades union GMB represents British Gas members. Jake O’Malley, GMB regional organiser said: “GMB have had no option with members to call this period of industrial action. This comes around British Gas wanting members to work extra hours for no pay and for being penalised if they don’t finish a job in a time slot that is set by the company, which could then lead on to further detriments within performance relation.

“Our members worked throughout the pandemic in homes were there was Covid-19 positive tests, because there were people that needed that work doing. They worked relentlessly for The Trussell Trust to get parcels and delivery’s out to food banks and their thanks for that at British Gas is to attack out members terms and conditions.

“British Gas say that they are trying to save a business but there not, they make profits, their last record of profits was £901m.”

Mr O’Malley added that the picketers have also been mindful of coronavirus risks, adding: “It is done in a safe manner; it has been fully risked assessed and we have had conversations with local police in our region.

"People are socially distancing and there has been no issues of anyone’s safety. People are saying everyone’s turning up in safe manners, in safe places and doing everything safely to the rules and the guidance."

Centrica, British Gas’s parent company told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “We’ve done everything we can with the GMB to avoid industrial action. Whilst we’ve made great progress with our other unions, sadly the GMB leadership seems intent on causing disruption to customers during the coldest time of the year, amid a global health crisis and in the middle of a national lockdown.

“Over 83% of our workforce have already accepted our new terms, in which base pay and pensions are protected, including a significant majority of GMB members. This shows most of our people understand that our business needs to change because customer needs are changing.”