Energy giant British Gas has sparked outrage after cancelling Christmas celebrations for its 21,000-strong workforce while simultaneously hosting an exclusive black-tie event for senior staff and their partners.
Christmas Cancelled for Majority of Staff
Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, informed employees that it would not be funding the traditional £35-per-person contribution towards Christmas parties this year. The decision was communicated to staff in a message from Centrica's chief people officer, Jill Shedden, who cited the need for "difficult decisions" to improve organisational efficiency.
In the internal communication seen by reporters, Shedden explained the move was made "in light of the difficult decisions we are making to improve the efficiency of the organisation, particularly those involving valued colleagues leaving the business."
Instead of traditional festive gatherings, the energy company suggested employees explore "locally relevant ways to celebrate", including sending virtual appreciation messages or participating in volunteering activities.
Lavish Event for Senior Management
While rank-and-file staff faced cancelled celebrations, Centrica hosted a black-tie event at the Park Plaza Westminster in London on Saturday, November 15. The lavish gathering attracted several hundred attendees, including senior management, sales team members, and their partners.
The timing and nature of the exclusive event has drawn sharp criticism from union representatives and staff members who perceive it as demonstrating a two-tier approach to employee treatment.
Union Condemns 'Breathtaking' Decision
Andy Prendergast, national secretary at the GMB union, strongly criticised Centrica's decision, describing it as "breathtaking" that the company could "hold exclusive black tie events for some whilst cancelling Christmas for everyone else."
Prendergast highlighted the particular insensitivity of the situation, noting that "at a time when hundreds of staff are facing redundancy, the knowledge that others will be quaffing free champagne simply adds insult to injury."
He further emphasised the company's substantial financial position, stating: "With profits in the billions, it's disgraceful to be cutting hundreds of jobs and cancelling hard-earned Christmas dinners, it just makes it worse."
Company Defends Decision
A Centrica spokesperson responded to the criticism, explaining that the company is "always focused on being more efficient to ensure we have resources in the right areas as we grow our businesses."
The spokesperson clarified that the black-tie event was not a Christmas party and defended the decision to cancel staff celebrations, stating: "We need to ensure we're respectful to these colleagues, and we think not having organised Christmas parties at this time is the right thing to do."
The controversy comes as Centrica continues to implement cost-cutting measures, including reducing management roles across the organisation.
