The news follows EDF Energy’s recent sale of its Networks business in the south, east and south-east to the Hong-Kong based Cheung Kong Infrastructure Group. “Now it looks as if the same thing could happen in the Midlands,” said Prospect Deputy General Secretary Mike Clancy. “The EDF Networks sale seems to have started a trend. We are very worried about the shift away from the vertically integrated business model, which incorporates generation, distribution and supply.

“While it may make short-term commercial sense, and generate cash for the companies concerned, it is not good news for the delivery of UK energy policy.

“Huge expansion and investment is required to replenish our outdated energy infrastructure and keep the lights on while meeting the challenges of climate change. The right people, with the right skills, must be in place and this won’t be achieved by breaking up companies for short-term gain. Privatisation and liberalisation lead to assets being all too easily disposable in order to boost company profits.”

Clancy said many months of lobbying from Prospect and the other unions resulted in a compliant bid for EDF Energy Networks that retained pre-sale agreements and policies, and guarantees on staff terms and conditions.

Clancy added: “Yet more energy professionals now face uncertainty and worry about their futures. If Central Networks is put up for sale, we will press for guarantees from any future buyer to protect employees’ jobs, terms and conditions and the highest standards of health and safety.”

E.On is due to clarify its plans at an upcoming press conference. A sale would affect more than 750 Prospect members who work as engineers, managers and specialists at Central Networks. The networks business employs 3,500 staff, responsible for delivering electricity to 4.9 million customers across the Midlands region.