THE announced closure of Centrica's high-street energy centres has been branded a shocking betrayal of staff by a second union.

GMB has joined Unison in denouncing the group's decision to shut-down all 243 of its British Gas stores, including the Bolton, Bury, Leigh and Walkden branches.

As reported in the BEN yesterday, the company blames the decision on intense competition and continuing losses.

Maxine Nixon, the GMB Regional Industrial Officer, said: "Centrica have turned their back on staff who will feel badly let down by yesterday's announcement."

Around 1,500 jobs will be lost nationwide by the closure of the stores.

Centrica are to offer its axed staff early retirement, an enhanced redundancy package and help with finding another job.

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