Ford to axe 1,160 jobs at engine plant in Bridgend, South Wales — sparking fears Brexit is to blame
Car giant's plans follow decrease in global demand at the site
FORD is set to cut 1,160 jobs at the car giant’s engine plant in Bridgend, it was revealed last night.
The move, which will take place over the next four years, has reportedly sparked fears the decision could be linked to Brexit.
It’s thought the company is responding to a fall in global demand and efficiency problems at the Welsh site, and the headcount there is expected to plummet from 1,760 workers to around 600 by 2021, mostly through natural attrition.
In a statement, Ford told : “Bridgend must fulfil its commitment in terms of delivery, quality and cost of the products it manufactures and — just as in the case for every Ford plant around the world — winning new product contracts depends on the plant’s efficiency and global competitiveness.”
Assembly Member Adam Price told the outlet that Ford's plans were "a body blow to the heart of the Welsh economy".
In January, Ford warned that the slump in the pound since Brexit was having a negative impact on the company and could cost it as much as $600m (£485m).