Aston Martin had 1,850 workers, but reduced the figure to 1,250, by firing 600 workers in December. Recent workdays cuts will affect a further 600 people, as it would appear the December decision was not enough to stabilize the company.
Company officials say they have consulted with the unions over both decisions. "Following detailed consultation with our trade union partners we have agreed further measures to help manage our way through this challenging period, while minimizing the impact on our employees as much as possible," an Aston Martin spokesman was quoted as saying by BBC.
Aston Martin chose to take action because "like other premium car brands, Aston Martin has been forced to respond to the unprecedented downturn in the global economy.” Aston Martin sales fell 28 percent last year despite the high-profile use of one of its cars in the latest Bond film “Quantum of Solace”.
The three day workweek becomes an usual practice among industry's companies. Only yesterday, General Motors announced the same measure will be taken at its Shushary flexible assembly plant, in Russia. In the UK, several companies have announced jobcuts. So far, Nissan has cut 1,200 jobs at its Sunderland plant and Jaguar Land Rover -450.
U.K. Government announced a 2.3 billion pound tax payer bailout plan for the industry, including 1 billion pounds of direct loans and a national strategy designed to help British manufacturers meet demand for environmently friendly cars.
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