MORE than 1,600 workers at Ford's Southampton plant could walk out if national pay claim talks getting under way today break down, union bosses have warned.

Staff at the Swaythling plant were the only Ford workers in the UK to walk out last month when the firm tabled a two per cent pay offer.

Now, they and 19,000 colleagues across the country are waiting to hear the result of talks being held between Ford management, union officials, and stewards from plants.

The negotiations, scheduled to last three days, are being held in London but it is understood both sides are standing firm and no new offer is on the table.

Among those taking part in the talks are Swaythling plant union convener John Ryan.

Tony Woodley, senior negotiator for the TGWU, told the Daily Echo: "We're into the heavy stuff now. To say the least we are in interesting times."

He said unions were still pushing for a two-hour cut in the working week and a pay increase.

Although he declined to put a figure on the claim it is understood to be between six and eight per cent - well above inflation.

"Ford workers in Britain have made significant changes to their productivity to make this company profitable but they are still working some of the longest hours in Europe - far more than Ford colleagues in Germany and Belgium.

"We are just asking for the firm to make changes here which they have made elsewhere up to ten years ago. There can be no disputing the fact that the workforce was extremely angry when the initial offer was tabled. We have made up our minds that it is time that people are genuinely rewarded."

And he hinted strongly that industrial action would be on the cards if no agreement was reached.

"All you have to do is look at the reaction of the workers at the plant in Southampton last month."

Barry Evans, deputy union convener at the Swaythling said: "We're not anticipating any problems at the plant today.''

A Ford spokesman said it was too early to comment on the talks.

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