Unite has today (4 February) responded to news that energy firm Drax is set to cut 350 jobs - despite being a highly profitable company and a key player in the just transition.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "It is shameful that a firm making billions such as Drax is choosing to target its staff. It is morally wrong that workers, their families and local communities pay the price for corporate greed.

"Drax has serious questions to answer about the rationale for this decision.  A just transition needs more energy workers with expertise, not fewer, to succeed.

"Unite will not stand by and allow these highly skilled energy workers to lose their jobs."

Drax is headquartered in Selby, Yorkshire. It has 3,250 employees worldwide, meaning the latest cuts represent 10 per cent of the overall workforce. 

It is a highly profitable firm - in the first half of 2025, it made £2.45 billion in revenue. The company's shares have risen about 46 per cent in the past 12 months.

Unite regional officer Shane Sweeting said: "These job cuts are nothing more than a cost saving exercise, with Drax choosing to put profits before people.

"It is unbelievable that Drax would be looking at cutting jobs at this time, not creating more opportunities for employment. Unite’s focus will be on protecting our hardworking members' jobs and pushing Drax to reverse this nonsensical decision."

ENDS

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite press officer Natasha Wynarczyk on 07970081524 

Email: natasha.wynarczyk@unitetheunion.org