FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Report of Foreign Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
July 2, 2003
BRITISH ENERGY PLC
(Registrant's name)
3 Redwood Crescent
Peel Park
East Kilbride G74 5PR
Scotland
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F..X.. Form 40-F.....
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes ..... No ..X..
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant
in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):
Exhibit Index
The following document (bearing the exhibit number listed below) is furnished
herewith and is made a part of this Report pursuant to the General Instructions
for Form 6-K:
Exhibit Description
No. 01 RNS Announcement, re: Update
dated 2nd July 2003
2 July 2003
BRITISH ENERGY
As announced in its preliminary statement last month, British Energy is
developing programmes to underpin the long-term viability of the Company.
As part of its drive for enhanced operational effectiveness and reduced costs,
the Company has concluded that it can no longer maintain two large office
complexes, one of which (Peel Park, East Kilbride) contains a mixture of
operational support staff and a variety of Corporate functions.
It is therefore proposed that 150 operational jobs based in Peel Park are
transferred to Barnwood, Gloucester to be integrated into the Company's major
operational and engineering support base. Consolidation in Peel Park would not
be practical since there are almost three times as many Barnwood staff based in
these functions.
Simultaneously the Corporate headquarters functions will be restructured,
commensurate with the change of the Company's remit to a UK rather than an
international electricity generator. British Energy's headquarters and head
office will remain in Scotland, but at a smaller office yet to be identified.
Peel Park will therefore be closed.
The Chairman, Chief Executive and other corporate directors will continue to
have their principal offices at the new location along with the headquarters
staff including the Finance, Legal and HR functions. British Energy will
therefore remain a major employer in Scotland with over 1,000 staff based at its
two power stations and corporate offices.
It is regretted that as a result of this proposal some 80 jobs may be lost. The
Company is commencing a process of consultation with staff and their
representatives.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Media Enquiries John Macnamara 07774 747713
David Wallace 07736 800359
Andrew Dowler 020 7831 3113
Investor Relations Paul Heward 01355 262201
Find this News Release on our web site: www.british-energy.com
Notes to editors
- British Energy is in the process of a financial restructuring and has also
received support from the Government. These developments are the Company's
own measures to help ensure the future of British Energy.
- British Energy is the UK's largest electricity generator owning and
operates the eight most modern nuclear power stations and a coal-fired plant
at Eggborough in Yorkshire.
- Total UK employees: 5,091.
- Total Scottish employees: 1,299 made up of: Hunterston 459, Torness 467,
Peel Park 373
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: July 2, 2003 BRITISH ENERGY PLC
By:____Paul Heward____
Name: Paul Heward
Title: Director - Investor Relations