Rayleigh Tory MP Mark Francois is seeking crunch talks with Powergen bosses after it announced 210 job losses at its headquarters in the town.

During the next year, staff will be shed at the London Road site, which is one of the biggest employers in the town.

It follows the takeover last year by energy generator Powergen of TXU Energi's retail business.

Mr Francois spoke to senior management at the company after hearing the news on Monday afternoon and has agreement in principle for a meeting with Powergen Retail managing director Nick Horler.

Powergen is hoping the jobs will go through voluntary redundancy and relocation at other sites around the country.

Mr Francois said: "I am extremely concerned that the company has not ruled out compulsory redundancies, which could have a major impact on the area. I now intend to follow this situation very closely".

Published Wednesday, January 22, 2003

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