A decline in demand for construction equipment has put nearly 300 jobs at risk at one of the UK’s largest suppliers…
Staffordshire-based firm JCB has confirmed it is in discussions with trade unions over the potential loss of staff at a number of its factories. It is thought up to 290 roles could be cut.
The redundancies are expected to impact the firm’s UK workforce, including its factories in Cheadle, Uttoxeter, and Rocester.
This is not the first time the construction equipment company has faced redundancies. Less than two months ago the firm warned it could see up to 400 jobs lost.
Speaking to The Sentinel, Chief Executive Graeme Macdonald said: “Manufacturers in the construction equipment industry are currently facing very tough trading conditions and we have to react to the current market reality to protect the long-term future of the business.
“Regrettably this means taking the very difficult decision to reduce the number of shop floor positions by up to 290 across the UK. As the global economy shows no sign of improving, the short-term outlook remains very challenging.”
The firm saw the market decrease in Russia by 70 per cent, in Brazil by 36 per cent, and in China by 47 per cent. Problems have also been seen in the European market, with France down by 26 per cent.
JCB said despite growth in the UK and North America, a fall in market confidence over the summer had caused the slowdown. This was caused by low oil and commodity prices.
JCB GMB works convenor Gordon Richardson said: “This news is obviously very disappointing but it has been apparent now for some time that global markets have been declining. Our job as a trade union is to now work hard to formulate a plan to mitigate the impact of the proposed redundancies.”