READERS will be aware that the GMB union yesterday launched a series of one-day strikes in protest at our decision to close the engineers' final salary pension scheme to new starters.

I believe this action is unwarranted, as none of the changes to the scheme will have any affect on current engineers. The nation as a whole is facing a tough decision on pensions. Our decision to close the final salary pension scheme to new members is to ensure the long-term viability for existing members.

New recruits will be offered a defined benefit pension, widely regarded by independent experts as one of the best on the market.

On strike days, we will be doing our utmost to ensure that we can still respond to heating emergencies for our most vulnerable customers. Our call centres will be operating as normal and our staff will be working as hard as ever to look after your needs.

We apologise for inconvenience caused to our customers and assure them we will work to recover our usual high level of service as soon as practically possible.

Alan Johnson,

General Manager,

British Gas (North-East),

New Bridge House,

Holbeck, Leeds.

Updated: 09:09 Tuesday, December 13, 2005