More than 1,100 workers face losing their jobs

The Ford-owned car maker wants to end production at its Browns Lane plant, with the loss of more than 1,100 jobs.

Union leaders announced the move ahead of a planned demonstration on Saturday to protest against the plans.

Jaguar urged staff not to walk out, saying it would not be in the interests of the firm, employees or customers.

Ballot papers will be issued to staff who are members Amicus and Transport and General Workers' Union (T&G) on Monday.

'Recovery difficult'

General secretary of the T&G, Tony Woodley, said: "We call on not just Jaguar workers, but the wider community of Coventry and the West Midlands to stand together and fight this unjust closure."

Derek Simpson, general secretary of Amicus, said: "The next two weeks are critical in our fight against the closure of Browns Lane."

In a statement Jaguar said it hoped strike action will not take place.

"This will not be in the interests of Jaguar, its employees or our customers," it said.

"Strike action will only make the business recovery more difficult."

Voluntary redundancies

The statement added that a meeting to discuss a number of issues between the company and union representatives is to be held on 3 December.

Ford's plans will see car production stop at Browns Lane, with 400 voluntary redundancies and 425 jobs moved to the Castle Bromwich factory in Birmingham.

Jaguar will also lose 750 mostly white-collar staff, as office work is merged with Land Rover.

The plan will leave 310 jobs at Browns Lane, with workers making wood finishes for Jaguar models.

The result of the ballot is expected in mid-December.