Union saves JCB jobs

GMB union members at JCB’s UK production sites have voted for a shorter week to protect the jobs of their colleagues.

JCB, a leading UK manufacturer of construction equipment, and GMB have been in discussions since last week following news that the company needed to reduce output by 19 per cent due to a downturn in the UK and US construction industries.

Over two thirds of members voted in favour of a 34-hour week over the alternative of 500 shop-floor redundancies. The decision now means that job cuts will be reduced by around two thirds.

JCB chief executive officer, Matthew Taylor, said: ‘From a JCB perspective this is very positive because it means we retain the skills of a wider workforce who have contributed to the success this company has enjoyed over many years.’

Following the ballot result, the shorter working week will come into effect at the beginning of November for a minimum of six months. The decision affects over 2,500 staff at seven JCB plants located in Wrexham, Rochester, Rudgley, Cheadle and Utoxeter.