The 206 could soon be made in Paris if the plant closes

Managers at the Ryton plant, near Coventry, met with union representatives for talks on Thursday.

Transport and General Workers Union convenor Jim O'Boyle said bosses had made it clear the plant will close.

Ryton is due to shut next year with the loss of 2,300 jobs. Unions had hoped to keep one shift running.

'Decision made'

Mr O' Boyle said the company had been aware that an alternative plan had been drawn up.

He added: "But they indicated, by letter to our national office, that they were prepared to look at the plan but they had already made their decision to close and were not going to change anything."

If staff at Ryton went on strike for a day, a week or even a month, it would not make much difference to the managers, he continued.

But if they were joined by their European colleagues for a European day of action, it would make the company take notice.

Workers are also keeping up pressure on Peugeot car dealerships.

Staff will protest outside Wycliffe Motors in Leicester Road, Rugby on Friday and on Saturday at Castle Motors, Abbey Lane in Leicester.