SSE is set to cut jobs and scrap several renewable energy projects in Scotland, citing rising costs for the decision.
Around 150 jobs are on the line as the energy firm said in a memo to staff that a range of economic and other factors could no longer be ignored, according to The Times.
The number of proposed redundancies is reportedly equivalent to almost 10% of the company’s workforce.
In a memo to staff, managing director of SSE Renewables Stephen Wheeler reportedly said he deeply regretted the firm’s decision to “pause or stop a number of projects”.
He added that the decision was due to a number of factors, including increasing supply chain costs, high interest rates and falling market prices.
Wheeler reportedly also said that SSE would now consult on the proposed 148 redundancies but would explore ways to avoid job cuts through redeployment.
Last month, SSE announced 55 job losses from its energy services division in Northern Ireland because of “challenging” trading conditions.
Prospect Unions, which represents SSE workers, negotiator Ian Perth said: "We're disappointed that a profitable company like SSE feels the need to shed jobs in renewables which is supposed to be a key growth sector.
"With the Government looking for renewables to deliver security and value for money for consumers it makes very little sense for a reasonably performing company to be cutting jobs in this manner.
"SSE have committed to a comprehensive consultation, and to assisting affected members to find roles in other parts of their business. We will be doing everything possible to protect member jobs."
A spokesperson for SSE said: "After a period of sustained growth, we're undertaking an efficiency review to ensure we continue to operate in the most efficient and effective way possible into the future.
"We have informed colleagues that this will unfortunately lead to reduced headcount in some parts of our business.
"We understand this process will be difficult for our teams, and we'll be consulting trade unions and keeping colleagues informed throughout."
