Union calls for investment after Vauxhall announces axing of further 250 jobs

The union Unite has called on the owner of the Vauxhall car company to invest in new models after workers at its Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire learned the carmaker was seeking 250 additional redundancies on top of the 400 announced in October.

The manufacturer, now owned by French company PSA Group – which also makes Peugeot and Citroen cars – said the move was prompted by the need to “accelerate the recovery of plant productivity”.

Vauxhall – the maker of the Astra – is says it intends to move staff from two production shifts to one.

The company told Unite last week that more voluntary redundancies were now needed.

Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said: “This is an additional blow to a world class workforce that is one of the most efficient in the industry. PSA must provide investment guarantees on new models for Ellesmere Port as a matter of urgency.

“The Government must play its part too and provide guarantees on frictionless trade after Brexit. Its current red lines on the customs union and single market will do little to instil business confidence and unlock the investment needed.”

“We ask that ministers give PSA and other manufacturers a clear signal that government will do all it needs to support this crucial sector through the Brexit process.”

Vauxhall employs about 4,500 people in the UK. About 1,800 are based at Ellesmere Port.