Less than half of energy workers confident about resilience plans

Energy workers have a widespread lack of faith in their employer’s workforce resilience plans, according to a survey carried out by the union Prospect of its members in the sector.

UK energy sector employers are responding to the coronavirus pandemic by preparing contingency measures.

But a survey, which had more than 1,000 responses from Prospect’s membership in the energy sector, showed that less than half of respondents (48 per cent) were confident in the resilience measures that their employers were putting in place.

Less than one-in-four respondents at some distribution network operators expressed confidence in their employer’s resilience planning with what the union described as a “significant proportion” still unaware of what has been put in place.

Prospect said these figures for the electricity distribution networks were “disturbingly low”.

Some 46 per cent said their employer was taking adequate steps to reduce physical contact in the workplace, and only 5 per cent said there were plans to halt non-essential capital projects.

Many respondents were also unsure about the adequate provision of essential personal protective equipment (PPE) in their workplace. In response to a question on PPE shortages, 41 per cent said there were currently no shortages, with 14 per cent reporting that there were and 45 per cent unsure.

Sue Ferns, senior deputy general secretary at Prospect, said: “Prospect’s poll of members has uncovered some areas of concern which the energy supply industry must account for. While it does not necessarily follow that a lack of confidence among workers means the correct action is not being taken, it does not inspire confidence that workforce resilience is as robust as it should be.

“Our members are providing a vital service keeping the lights on. They must be adequately protected from corona virus. Both through PPE and social distancing measures, but they also need to know that if the workforce is reduced it can still function within acceptable safety parameters.

“Employers in the sector need to be explicit with unions and with all their workers what steps they are taking to protect them. We need to work together on this to ensure vital infrastructure operates as normally as possible while looking after the workforce.”

In a statement issued today outlining the networks’ response to the coronavirus crisis, the Energy Networks Association (ENA) said its member companies were ensuring that where their staff have to leave their homes to carry out jobs the social distancing guidelines issued by the UK government apply.

ENA said that if employers could work from home, network companies were insisting they do so.

It said: “However, a lot of the work we do means this simply isn’t possible. Many of our colleagues need to leave their homes to provide essential services.”

Prospect represents thousands of engineers and other skilled workers in the energy sector.

Sue Ferns will be part of the panel for Utility Week’s inaugural #AskUsAnything webinar at 11.45am on Friday. Share your questions and register for the webinar here.