The energy infrastructure supply business said that a consultation with employees has started on the changes, but and no decisions have been made. However, the reorganisation may result in redundancies and staff interested in voluntary redundancy will be able to apply.

Prospect national secretary, Steve Thomas, responding to the plans said:

“Our members work tirelessly to ensure that the country’s energy supply continues seamlessly and the potential scale of these redundancy plans will create great uncertainty for them. We will be closely examining the impact that large scale job cuts could have on the network and how it could be potentially compromised.

“Any changes that take place must be done in consultation with the unions. As the largest union at National Grid, Prospect, will be leading discussions to ensure that compulsory redundancies are avoided.

“Prospect will be focussing on members views and voices being heard throughout the process and that they remain fully informed during this unsettling period.”