JCB World Headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire.
More than 900 jobs have been saved at JCB manufacturing plants across the Midlands and Wales, after an agreement is reached between the company and trade union leaders.
Today it has been announced that more than 900 jobs have been safeguarded at JCB plants across the UK – following successful negotiations between management at the company and trade union representatives. The deal will see new flexible working arrangements for staff at the company.
JCB was looking at 950 job losses last week due to the global economic challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic. This would have seen job losses at production plants in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and North Wales (Wrexham).
However, following positive discussions between the GMB union and JCB bosses, some 915 employees have now kept their jobs. New flexible working arrangements will be put in place to maintain the core workforce for the next 12-months.
Chief Operating Officer at JCB, Mark Turner:
“We have held very constructive discussions with the GMB. It is very pleasing that we have found a way forward on production flexibility because we expect disruption from the COVID-19 crisis to continue until at least the end of this year.”
GMB Organiser, Stuart Harrison:
“GMB Senior representatives have been working with JCB throughout the crisis to protect the jobs of our members.
“Our new agreement provides flexibility to the company, through a Working Time Arrangement and achieves our sole objective of avoiding compulsory redundancies.
“We’ve worked hard to avoid job losses here and are very grateful to all our members for working together to secure their future with JCB.”