CLEETHORPES MP Martin Vickers has been given "assurances" that those affected by the closure of two power stations on the South Bank will be given help in finding new jobs.
Mr Vickers met with Centrica bosses yesterday morning regarding the planned closures of two of its power stations – one in Killingholme and the other in Brigg.
The firm has started talks with the 60 staff at both sites, but will retain the Stallingborough operation having had it up for sale for the past year.
Mr Vickers and Andrew Percy, the Conservative MP for Brigg and Goole, met with Sarah Richardson, the director of public affairs and her colleague Will Heald.
The Cleethorpes MP said he was taken aback by the announcement when it was first made earlier this week, but was reassured after the meeting on Friday.
He said he will assist with any of his constituents who are affected by the job losses.
"It was a very useful meeting and I am satisfied that the company will work closely with the workforce to ensure that alternative employment will be found," he said.
"It is of course a blow to the individuals concerned and their families, but when you look at the broader image for the area I think we can be satisfied as we can be in the circumstances."
The announcement came as part of the annual financial results for 2014, which showed a 35 per cent drop in profits at the owner of British Gas.
It reflected challenging trading conditions, including extreme weather patterns – 2014 was a record warm year – and falling oil and gas prices, leading to annual dual-fuel utility bills emerging £100 cheaper.
About eight people are employed at Brigg, with around 50 at Killingholme's Chase Hill Lane site.
Prospect union negotiator Mike McDonald said he hopes the firm will be working hard to redeploy the staff affected by these closures.
He added: "I met with bosses at Centrica on Thursday and those talks went reasonably well. But due to the nature of the energy market at the moment jobs were always going to be under threat.
"From our point of view, Centrica have done everything they can to make the plant profitable in very demanding commercial circumstances. It is very difficult to run at a profit. Government policy is forcing stations to close."
It is the third blow to the South Bank's traditional industries after recent bad news for Cristal and Total's Lindsey Oil Refinery.
Great Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell said he will be working together with Mr Vickers to get the best possible outcome for those involved.
"We need more of an explanation from Centrica," he said. "I'd have to question the competence of their management. They may have seen a drop in profits but that's no justification for closing two of its sites.
"Centrica are awash with cash from the sale of its assets in America, they should invest that money here.
"To close them now when there has been a temporary fall in prices when we need diversity of energy and gas production seems very short sighted.
"At least Total confirmed they would continue investing in the area, but Centrica are simply closing up and getting out."
