Contract workers face redundancy at Jaguar Land Rover i54 plant
The company that carries out the cleaning and maintenance work at Jaguar Land Rover’s giant engine factory is making more than a quarter of its staff there redundant.
Leadec has the contract for cleaning, waste and technical work at the engine manufacturing centre on the i54 business park north of Wolverhampton.
The Warwick-based contractor, part of a German-owned automotive services group also called Leadec, issued a statement saying: “Due to changes to our current service supply, it is with deep regret we have announced a reduction to our team at Jaguar Land Rover’s Engine Manufacturing Centre, Wolverhampton.
"The company has invited employees to apply for voluntary redundancy, and we will of course make every effort to ensure that the process is handled with the utmost care and professionalism at this difficult time."
One of the workers, who did not wish to be named, said Leadec had announced 28 job losses as JLR continued to press for more savings.
“The losses will be mainly within the cleaning department with Leadec asking for voluntary redundancies before forcing redundancy to make up the remaining numbers,” he said.
“Most of those who work for Leadec at the EMC are from the Wolverhampton area.”
The contract with JLR also covers the maintenance of all facility equipment such as boilers, heating and ventilation systems, chillers and refrigeration equipment and water treatment.
Jaguar Land Rover also issued a statement saying: “Earlier this year Jaguar Land Rover announced the next stage of its transformation programme designed to improve cashflow and deliver long-term strategic operating efficiencies in the face of ongoing external challenges.
“Throughout this process, we’ve been working closely with our supply partners to understand future service level requirements in response to these changes.
“Sadly, in some cases, there will be a reduced requirement for staffing against the current levels."
The Leadec news came as many JLR staff from across the luxury car manufacturer's operation finished work at the company after taking redundancy.
The company, which is owned by Indian multinational Tata Motors, launched a voluntary redundancy programme after announcing plans in January to axe 4,500 jobs as part of a £2.5 billion cost-cutting plan.
JLR has been facing challenging times, with sales in China slowing down and diesel sales hit by government plans to ban diesel-powered car in the UK by 2040.
Despite the cuts it will invest in manufacturing new electric drive units at Wolverhampton, where around 1,600 people are employed.
