CHARLES Berry, 67, the chairman of both Glasgow engineering group Weir and Centrica, the Windsor-based energy business, is taking a leave of absence as a result of an unanticipated medical condition.

Both groups issued statements to the stock exchange wishing Mr Berry well.

Weir said it looked forward to Mr Berry’s return and that Barbara Jeremiah, senior independent director at Weir, would undertake his responsibilities meantime.

Centrica said it expected Mr Berry to return to his duties shortly and that Scott Wheway, a non-executive director at Centrica, would act as interim chairman until his return.