Production review as jobs are cut

The five millionth Ford Transit rolled off the production line in 2005

More than 120 jobs are to go at Ford's Transit van plant in Southampton, where "production volumes" will be reduced.

Some 124 short-term contracts will not be renewed at its Swaythling plant, where "daily volumes" will be reduced from 26 August, the company said.

But it added there "were no plans to cut the levels of permanent workers".

Ford said the city's union officials were being kept informed. Swaythling and Basset MP, Sandra Gidley, said she was "dismayed" by the news.

Reductions are likely to apply to both car and commercial vehicle plants Ford

"This is tragic news for those workers and their families who are to lose their jobs," added Ms Gildley.

"Unfortunately it is a sign of the economic times and I know from discussions with Ford that they have been reluctant to lose well trained and valuable staff."

A spokesman for Ford said: "In response to softening market conditions affecting the industry, Ford will reduce production volumes at some of its European plants during the remainder of 2008.

"Reductions are likely to apply to both car and commercial vehicle plants.

"There are no plans to reduce the levels of permanent employment as the result of this reduction in production volumes but temporary employees are being advised that their contracts will not be renewed beyond the expiry date of their current contracts in early October."

Ford Transit production moved to Southampton in 1971 and the five millionth vehicle was made in 2005.

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