A UNION leader says workers losing their jobs at Eggborough must get the best deal possible - while an MP says he is "disappointed" by the news but confident permission will be given for a replacement gas-fired power station.

Mike MacDonald, of the union Prospect, said that whilst it fully supported a move to a low-carbon energy system, the speed of change could not be allowed to cause hardship for employees.

“This is the third announcement of the rapid closure of a conventional power station since the New Year,” he said. “We will continue to fight to ensure our members get the best deal.

“This move demonstrates the need for urgent action from the Government to have an energy transition plan.” He said workers needed to adapt their high-tech skills to equip them for the future.”

Selby and Ainsty MP Nigel Adams, who has been engaged in a long battle to save the power station, said he was "disappointed but not surprised" by the announcement.

In 2014, the Tory MP met then Prime Minister David Cameron to raise concerns about potential job losses and the security of the country’s energy supply after the Government announced it would not receive a government subsidy to provide renewable energy.

He said yesterday he had been pressing for a planning application to replace the coal-fired station with a gas-fired one to be expedited and he was confident it would win permission.