Basildon Council has said the local authority will continue to work with their ‘longstanding partner’ Ford after the automobile manufacturer announced plans to cut over a thousand jobs.
Ford is set to cut 1,300 jobs in the UK over the next two years. This represents a fifth of its total workforce in the country.
The majority of the job losses will affect the company's technical centre in Dunton in Essex, where it has about 3,400 workers.
Unite national officer for automotive Des Quinn said: ‘Unite will be demanding that the company opens the books to determine how to save as many jobs at Ford as possible.’
The leader of Basildon Council, Cllr Andrew Baggott, said the local council would continue to work with the manufacturer to find the ‘best possible outcomes for all’.
‘Ford is a longstanding partner of Basildon Council, providing local jobs and working with the council on a range of initiatives throughout the years to improve our communities,’ he said.
‘We understand that Ford remain committed to maintaining their UK base of operations in Basildon. The council will work with Ford and their employees to ensure that we can look for the best possible outcomes for all. We will continue to work with Ford to unlock Basildon’s potential for economic growth and prosperity.’
