A NUMBER of EDF Energy staff in Ipswich could be relocated as part of a scheme to deliver £2billion of improvements to its electricity network.EDF has announced it is teaming up with Babcock Networks for some of the work involved in upgrading its 70,000 substations, 110,000km of overhead power lines and 125,000km of underground cables.

A NUMBER of EDF Energy staff in Ipswich could be relocated as part of a scheme to deliver £2billion of improvements to its electricity network.

EDF has announced it is teaming up with Babcock Networks for some of the work involved in upgrading its 70,000 substations, 110,000km of overhead power lines and 125,000km of underground cables.

Spokesman for EDF, James Barber, said the new contract makes it likely that a handful of staff based at the Fore Hamlet depot will need to move offices for a period so they can work closely with Babcock Networks.

He said: “There will be no negative knock-on effects for staff within the company.

“They may be slightly affected but there will be no job losses.”

Babcock Networks will work with EDF to improve overhead tower lines.

Partners in another area of work - major underground cable laying - will be announced shortly.

Barry Hatton, director of capital programme at EDF Energy Networks, said: “We are entering an exciting time in the delivery of the capital programme where we have to significantly increase the amount of work we deliver, improve the efficiency of delivery and the way we work together.

“In order to fulfil these requirements, we have formed these new alliances with contractors to help deliver this work.

“I do believe that ultimately we will create a better place to work and will help EDF Energy meet its objectives to be the best distribution network operator and a respected point of reference.”

Staff affected by the changes are being consulted in a series of letters and meetings and unions have been involved in the new structures from the start of planning.