British domestic energy provider Centrica said Thursday it will axe 5,000 jobs, or almost one fifth of its workforce, as it responds to both the coronavirus pandemic fallout and intense competition. The owner of British Gas said that the drastic restructuring -- centred on leadership, management and corporate staff -- was partly prompted by the COVID-19 outbreak that sparked "difficult" trading conditions. Centrica currently employs more than 26,000 people worldwide. rfj/bmm