Aston Martin forced to axe 600 UK jobs
Luxury carmaker Aston Martin is to axe up to 600 jobs at its plant in Gaydon, Warwickshire.
The company said the move, which would affect 300 permanent and 300 temporary workers, was necessary because of the downturn in the world economy and the corresponding fall in car sales.
The union Unite said the decision was distressing news for workers in the run-up to Christmas. National officer Dave Osborne said: “This is devastating news for our members who have made major contributions to the Aston Martin brand.”
Aston Martin sold 110 cars in the UK in October, compared with 164 in the same month last year. Total worldwide sales last year topped 7,300 but they are expected to fall to 6,500 this year.
The company’s chief executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, said: “Like other premium car brands, Aston Martin has been forced to respond to the unprecedented downturn in the global economy. These are regrettable but necessary measures.
“Overall we remain confident that the brand is the strongest it has ever been – with dedicated design, engineering and manufacturing facilities and an award-winning product range, we remain well positioned for the upturn in the economy.”
© PE Publishing, 10 December 2008
