AROUND 200 jobs in the Barrow area could be at risk as a major employer announces heavy jobs cuts. 

Centrica announced yesterday that 6000 jobs are set to be cut despite announcing good half year results. 

It is expected that approximately half of the cuts would be made through redundancies and the rest would come from natural turnover and attrition. 

The cuts will affect the whole of the Centrica group including household gas supplier, British Gas. 

However, the company has stated that due to ongoing investments in a number of key areas, the total number of jobs cuts will be closer to 4000. 

Centrica has said it is too early tell which areas will be affected by the cuts but is eager to reassure employees that it is strongly committed to gas production in Morecambe Bay. 

A Centrica spokesman said: “The reduction in headcount we have announced is across the Centrica group of 37,500 people, with around half coming from natural staff turnover. 

“We do not have firm plans on how the redundancies will be broken down, but we will consult with our employees directly once those plans are in place. 

“It is important to note that the strategy for our exploration and production business is to focus on the North Sea and Morecambe Bay, where we are continuing to invest in unlocking new reserves.” 

The announcement coincides with the 30th anniversary of gas production in Morecambe Bay which still continues to support around 200 jobs in the area.

Gary Smith, GMB national secretary for energy, said: "What GMB take from this announcement is a focus on long term and investment in customer service which gives us room for optimism over front line jobs. 

"This year there are more than 1,200 jobs being created for smart metering installers and in repairing and installing appliances. 

"These are real jobs, skilled jobs and they are being filled by ex-military personnel, a lot of women and of course young people. 

"During this tough day for many, GMB will make sure members get through it and we will be making a strong case to protect front line and customer facing jobs."