Cuts and Swaythling Transit plant have knock-on effect across Southampton (From Daily Echo)

Cuts and Swaythling Transit plant have knock-on effect across Southampton

5:00pm Monday 16th March 2009 in

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AROUND 100 workers face the axe as the aftershock of huge Ford cutbacks hits the supply chain.

These job losses come after it emerged the motor giant is to slash its 1,100 strong Southampton workforce by almost half.

The Daily Echo understands contractor Penske Logistics is planning to shed around 30 people while Hamptons is looking to cut 35 jobs.

Another 25 have just lost their jobs at nearby Magna Seating and a handful may be lost from smaller companies who also supply the plant.

Union bosses fear more may lose their jobs if the financial situation worsens.

Ian Woodland, Unite union’s regional officer, said: “We are doing all we can to save as many jobs as possible in the supply chain.

“It is disappointing but unsurprising with the reductions at Ford. We are now playing a waiting game.”

The devastating news that the company was looking to shed 500 jobs was exclusively revealed by the Daily Echo last month.

The bombshell came after nervous workers had endured weeks of downtime and extended shutdowns.

Ford staff remaining at the giant Swaythling operation fear they will be £300 a month worse off with the loss of overtime bonuses and shift allowances.

Terry Vincent, Hampton’s operations director, said: “We have been affected by the situation at Ford and sadly had to cut around 30 per cent of our staff.

“If Ford continues to operate on a single shift I believe we can sustain our staffing levels but any other cuts at the factory could have an impact on us.”