ENERGY giant Centrica announced 6,000 job cuts yesterday, despite Centrica-owned British Gas doubling its profits in the first half of this year.

Paresh Patel, Unite regional co-ordinating officer for Centrica, said the news was “a devastating blow” for workers and the company’s decision was “unnecessary and driven by the pursuit of excessive profit.”

Mr Patel condemned Centrica for making the announcement to the media without consulting its workforce first.