Brexit blamed as Ford axes 400 jobs at major UK plant

Brexit has been blamed as car giant Ford announced a voluntary redundancy programme at one of its main plants, leading to the loss of hundreds of jobs.

The company said a voluntary separation programme will affect hourly and salaried employees at its Bridgend engine plant in South Wales.

The move, which Ford said was part of its ongoing actions to create a 'sustainably profitable business' in Europe, will affect between 350 and 400 jobs.

The news comes weeks after it emerged that the car-maker would cut as many as 1,000 jobs at the plant over the next two years.

A Ford spokesman said: 'The programme follows discussion with the union on matching the plant's labour requirements to the projected production volume expectations in the near term.

'It is anticipated that the majority of employees who apply and are selected for voluntary separation under this programme will leave Ford employment in the third and fourth quarters of 2019.'

The company announced plans last month for a major shake-up of its operations in the UK and mainland Europe.

Labour MP for nearby Cardiff Central Jo Stevens, a supporter of the anti-Brexit campaign group Best for Britain, said: 'It's absolutely devastating to see the effect that Brexit is already having on communities here in Wales and across the UK.

'People had many different reasons for voting leave in 2016, but surely no-one voted to put people out of work and at risk of losing their home.

'The prime minister is more concerned about desperately preserving the unity of her Tory Party than acting in interests of people across the country.

'All MPs must now unite against this disastrous Tory Brexit and bring the people back into the Brexit process through a final say on what should now happen.'