Task force established as local council pledges support to Rugeley Power Station workers

PHILIP Atkins, leader of Staffordshire County Council, has pledged its support to the workforce of Rugeley Power Station, after the owners announced plans to cease commercial operations in the summer.

And a multi-body task force is being established to aid affected employees.
 
Atkins said: “News that the station is to close for business this summer will undoubtedly come as a bitter blow for the 150-strong loyal workforce and their families, many of who will have worked at the station for a number of years.
 
“As a county council, we have an excellent track record of attracting fresh investment and creating new jobs and our priority now will be to work with partners to help support each and every one of these employees secure future employment.”
 
A task force is now being set up which will see Staffordshire County Council, Stoke and Staffordshire LEP, Cannock Chase Council, Lichfield District Council and Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP work together with owners Engie to support staff and discuss any potential future uses for the site.
 
Engie announced yesterday that the power station is expected to cease market operations in early summer 2016, due to the deterioration in market conditions for UK coal-fired power generation.

The closure will potentially lead to the loss of 150 jobs, subject to the outcome of an employee consultation exercise, and any further discussions with government bodies. 

The power station is also known as Rugeley “B” and has been in operation since 1970.  Rugeley “A” station, built on the same site back in the 1950s, was decommissioned in 1996.

The decision by Engie to close the plant has been criticised by the GMB union and local politicians.