JCB workers back reduction in hours

More than 300 jobs have been saved at JCB after workers at its 11 plants around the UK voted to accept a deal that would see a reduction in their working week from 39 hours to 34 hours.

Around 500 jobs would have been at risk if workers, who were balloted by the GMB union, had rejected the deal.

However 150 jobs are still expected to be lost, even with the reduction in hours.

In a statement, the GMB said: "Following a ballot, GMB members have accepted by a two-thirds majority to accept a 34 hour week. The Joint Shop Stewards' Committee are pleased with the outcome because it will help safeguard around 350 of our colleagues' jobs. We are now hoping JCB staff are going to follow their lead with a reduction in hours."

Meanwhile a JCB statement said: "Short-time working was JCB’s preferred option and we are pleased that GMB members have voted for this course of action, particularly as it will lead to a reduced number of redundancies and preserve our skills base for when the markets improve.

"Following the ballot result, short time working will commence at JCB’s UK production facilities at the beginning of November for a minimum of six months."