Worries Over Jobs At Ford In Bridgend

11 January 2019, 14:43 | Updated: 11 January 2019, 15:35

There are claims the plant in South Wales could be hardest hit by job cuts.

Plans by car giant Ford for a shake-up of its European operations could lead to the loss of 1,000 jobs at one of its UK plants, sources have claimed.

The Bridgend engine plant in South Wales will be the hardest hit of any of the firm's UK factories if the plans go ahead, the Press Association was told.

The company gave no details about job losses in the UK, but said it was starting consultations with unions to implement a "comprehensive transformation strategy".

Shop stewards from Ford factories have now been given a briefing on the proposals.

Sources said the plans were for a total of 1,150 job losses in the UK, with almost 1,000 at Bridgend and the rest at Ford's transport operations, which would affect lorry drivers.

The plans are for two phases of cuts at Bridgend, achieved by 2021/21, sources said.

Ford declined to confirm the figures and said it was consulting with unions.

The company announced on Thursday that it would be speeding up plans to cut structural costs.

"We are taking decisive action to transform the Ford business in Europe," said Steven Armstrong, Ford's group vice president and president, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

"We will invest in the vehicles, services, segments and markets that best support a long-term sustainably profitable business, creating value for all our stakeholders and delivering emotive vehicles to our customers."

Ford said it was starting formal consultation with its works council and trade unions, adding that it was committed to working with its key stakeholders over the new strategy.

The announcement from Ford came on the same day as Jaguar Land Rover said it was axing 4,500 jobs and Honda said it was halting production for six days after Brexit.