James Bond favourite Aston Martin to shed jobs

Dec 2 2008

LUXURY carmaker Aston Martin is planning to axe 600 full-time and temporary jobs at its Warwickshire plant because of the the downturn in the world economy.

The jobs will hit the company's factory at Gaydon, and follows a fall in sales. Unite said it was "devastating news" for the workers, especially so close to Christmas.

Aston Martin said it had started consulting with trade unions on a range of cutbacks to reflect the downturn in the world economy and the corresponding fall in car sales.

A statement said: "It is hoped to do this by minimising the impact on employees as far as possible, but the possibility of up to 300 permanent and a similar number of temporary job losses cannot be ruled out."

Chief executive Dr Ulrich Bez said: "Like other premium car brands, Aston Martin has been forced to take action to respond to the unprecedented downturn in the global economy. These are regrettable but necessary measures in the extraordinary market conditions we all now face.

"Overall, we remain confident that the Aston Martin brand is the