Date: 12 January 2006

New ScottishPower Chief Exec must talk to unions - UNISON

UNISON, the trade union representing many ScottishPower staff reacted with caution to the announcement of Ian Russell's departure as Chief Executive of Scottish Power, and urged Phillip Bowman the new chief exec to have early talks with the unions.

Gerry Crawley, UNISON Regional Officer for ScottishPower staff said: "Ian Russell has recently presided over £60m cuts for which no business case has been made. Also on Monday ScottishPower announced changes to the pension scheme as a knee jerk reaction to what is happening elsewhere. In the week that Ian Russell resigns, to continue with the proposed pension changes and the £60m cuts package does not seem sensible. Consultation with the new CE is imperative

"These ad-hoc changes have damaged confidence amongst staff. Phillip Bowman must urgently meet with the unions to begin the process to restore and rebuild workforce confidence."

ENDS

For Further Information Please Contact: Gerry Crawley (Regional officer) ­ 07970 187 851 (m) Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0771 558 3729(m)

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