31.01.2009

Welsh Power today (Saturday January 31 2009) issued the following correction to false assertions printed in today’s Guardian that the company “plans to use 85% foreign workers on the new build power station at Uskmouth”.

Welsh Power has an explicit policy of using local contractors wherever possible, and this has been well publicised in the local media and on the company’s websites.

Commenting on the story, Alex Lambie, Chief Executive of Welsh Power, said: “It is a shame that this untrue rumour has been given currency, and I am pleased to reassure people in Wales that it could not be further from the truth.

“Wales is at the heart of our business; Welsh Power is investing some £450 million in the build of Severn Power in South East Wales.  We use local contractors wherever possible, and we have asked Siemens, the main contractor for the new build Severn Power, to do this as well.  82.5% of those inducted to work on the Severn Power construction site are British.”

In 2008, Siemens and Welsh Power hosted a successful ‘meet the buyer’ event at the Newport Holiday Inn, aimed at fostering relationships with local businesses and encouraging them to tender for work.

Neither Welsh Power nor any of its subsidiaries was contacted to confirm the rumour, or for a reaction, and are requesting that a correction should be printed in the Guardian.