Drax: Power station operator set to cut up to 150 jobs at Yorkshire site next year, union claims
Up to 150 jobs are set to be cut at Drax’s North Yorkshire power station, according to GMB Union.
GMB said that it had seen a notice served to employees at Drax showing that between 89 and 148 roles are set to be axed at the firm’s Selby plant.
The cuts are expected on or around 31 March next year, according to GMB.
Drax did not confirm or deny if the figures were correct, and declined the opportunity to comment on GMB’s claims.
Deanne Ferguson, GMB Senior Organiser, said: “This is a devastating blow for Drax workers and their families, as well as the local community that surrounds the area.”
It comes after earlier this month, Drax announced that it was undertaking a consultation process which could lead to the loss of 350 jobs across the UK and USA.
The figure represents around 10 per cent of Drax’s overall workforce. As of its latest results, the company employed around 3,250 people.
A statement from Drax issued alongside the initial announcement said: “We believe these changes are key to our long-term success and our continued commitment to deliver UK energy security and to support the energy transition.
“This is in no way a reflection of the professionalism, passion and commitment that our colleagues have shown. We will support our colleagues as we develop these proposals and work closely with our unions and elected employee representatives as we implement them.”
According to think tank Ember, Drax could be set to receive around £458.6m a year in subsidies between 2027 and 2031, following a recent Government decision to extend its subsidies but reduce the amount it earns.
Ms Ferguson added: “Drax has trousered vast sums of public money – then wants to make everyone redundant when it runs out.
“This is the kind of behaviour that will give net zero a bad name – Ministers must intervene.”
Drax produces around five per cent of the UK’s electricity from its North Yorkshire site.
According to its latest interim results, the company made a pre-tax profit of £281m for the six months ending 30 June 2025.
This was down from £518m the year prior.