Energy firm’s jobs offer to former rival’s engineers

Utilita Energy – which took on Manchester-based Eversmart Energy’s 29,000 customers this Tuesday – has issued a call for Eversmart’s engineers to join the company.

Utilita, one of the UK’s leading independent energy suppliers based near Southampton, was appointed as ‘Supplier of Last Resort’ (SoLR) by industry regulator Ofgem after Eversmart Energy ceased trading last week.

The company has vowed to protect customers by absorbing all necessary costs and protecting their credit balances and closed balances.

Now, Utilita wants to offer jobs to Eversmart’s skilled engineers to strengthen its team.

It is understood that nearly 30 Eversmart meter installers left the business days before it ceased trading.

But Utilita executives have called on them to get in contact as soon as possible – as they look to bolster their own team and retain top talent in the utilities industry.

Utilita director of field services, Eddie McGlinn, said: “We understand this has been a traumatic time for many Eversmart employees, but Utilita is looking to save as many jobs as possible – and ensure Eversmart’s customers receive a high-quality service from Utilita.

“These are highly-skilled engineers who we would love to have on board, so I would urge them to make contact with us.”

Eversmart was the sixth UK energy firm to fail this year, and the 14th to exit the market since November 2016.

Philippa Pickford, Ofgem’s director for future retail markets, said last week: “Eversmart Energy customers do not need to worry, as under our safety net we’ll make sure your energy supplies are secure and domestic customers’ credit balances are protected.

“Ofgem will now choose a new supplier for you and whilst we’re doing this our advice is to ‘sit tight’ and don’t switch.

“You can rely on your energy supply as normal. We will update you when we have chosen a new supplier, who will then get in touch about your new tariff.”