Just before the festive season, employees at Swansea’s Consumer Energy Solutions are facing a difficult reality. The parent company, City Energy Group, has announced potential job cuts, proposing the closure of its Swansea branch. This bombshell lands amidst the news that the UK Government’s influential ECO4 energy-efficiency scheme, which played a crucial role in home energy upgrades, is set to end come March 2026. The uncertainty about future contracts has left as many as 500 jobs hanging in the balance.
To intensify the situation, staff have been informed they’ll receive only minimum wage for December with no bonuses. An employee described the atmosphere as “in turmoil,” as the unexpected announcement hit during an online meeting. The company has begun a 45-day consultation to explore options and offer support, but no firm decisions have been made yet.
This unsettling news comes at a time when the ECO4 scheme, largely contributing to Swansea’s business operations, is winding down. Its replacement, the Warm Homes Plan, will be managed by local councils, though who will secure contracts in this transition remains up in the air.
As the City Energy Group navigates this turbulent period, staff and their families are left grappling with insecurity just as the holiday season arrives. While no union officially represents these workers, many have turned to Unite for support, highlighting the desperate need for collective action during uncertain times.
Our thoughts are with all affected workers, hoping for clarity and assurance in the challenging weeks ahead. Stay informed and support local efforts to ensure a bright future for the workers and the community.