19 May 2012 Last updated at 10:24 ET

ScottishPower Caernarfon workers' rally opposes Wrexham relocation

Arfon MP Hywel Williams (right) said the move would be a blow to Caernarfon

A rally has been held to oppose the relocation of 32 ScottishPower office jobs across north Wales.

ScottishPower Energy Retail is consulting customer contact staff in Caernarfon about a move to Wrexham.

The company said staff would be offered travel expenses and asked to try the new arrangements for a trial period.

But Arfon MP Hywel Williams said a round trip of 125 miles a day was "clearly not a realistic proposition for most people".

Mr Williams said the rally was a "demonstration of our determination" to keep the jobs in Caernarfon.

'Sticking together'

The Plaid Cymru member said the jobs were very valuable to Caernarfon, and the workers would find it difficult to find similar jobs locally.

He said he was "deeply disappointed" and called for a meeting with ScottishPower to discuss the situation, saying that the Caernarfon office also provided a Welsh language service for customers.

One worker told BBC Wales: "It's very sad, we're all sticking together and trying our best to prevent this - or find better work."

ScottishPower Energy Retail said the consultation followed a review of its offices in Caernarfon, Queensferry, Warrington and Wrexham, which altogether employ 600 staff.

Ten workers in Queensferry and 32 in Caernarfon have been offered redeployment in Wrexham.

"There will be no change to their operational role and they will be compensated for any additional travel costs via a disturbance allowance process," said a spokesman.

A three month trial period has also been offered.

"If employees who opt for the trial decide against travelling permanently, this will not restrict their ability to request redundancy or seek another post within the company," said the spokesman.

The company said its commitment to providing Welsh language services would continue from its Wrexham office.

The formal consultation period will last until the end of June.