British Gas and GMB union have announced that, as a result of positive discussions between the two organisations in recent days, the threat of industrial action by British Gas engineers has been lifted.

Paul Kenny, General Secretary of the GMB, said: "The discussions have not been easy, but we do now have a platform on which to build relations. It is positive that the company respects the position of GMB."


British Gas Managing Director, Phil Bentley, said: "Over the last few days, there have been some increasingly positive conversations with GMB. The focus has been to establish a more collaborative relationship so that we can resolve the current situation and continue to improve British Gas and the service that we provide our customers.

"The backdrop to our ongoing discussions is a healthy and growing British Gas despite an increasingly competitive environment. Looking forward, we have the opportunity to work together with GMB to agree a new and exciting future for our engineers in a growing British Gas."

In a letter to British Gas engineers, Phil Bentley also provided reassurance that he, and the management team at British Gas, are listening and responding to concerns raised with them by engineers.

(CD/GK)