Ford jobs in the UK

 

Ford to cut 1,300 jobs in UK in the next two years, as part of its restructuring programme to cut 3,800 jobs overall across Europe. The carmaker is cutting back on development staff as it prepares for the transition to electric vehicles and faces an uncertain economic future. Ford of Europe aims to build all of its cars in the region as fully electric by 2030.

 

Most of the cuts in the UK will be at Ford's research site in Dunton, Essex, where several hundred back-office posts are also expected to be closed at sites across the country. There won't be any impact on the Halewood, Dagenham, or Daventry production plants.

The Unite union has said that it will work with Ford to protect "as many jobs as possible". The Dunton site is located in the Basildon and Billericay constituency of Conservative MP John Baron, who described the news as "disappointing.".

The Work and Pensions Secretary, Mel Stride, has said that it was not "just a UK phenomenon" and that he was working on a "rapid response service" that will be put into action "very shortly" to aid laid-off workers in finding new employment

Tim Slatter, the Chairman of Ford of Britain, said, "Here in Europe, we've got a pretty difficult economic situation, and the outlook is uncertain. High oil prices, rising interest rates, the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, and other factors. He claimed that this was not the only contributing element, though. Ford of Europe is getting ready to undergo a significant business shift.

Ford's recent announcement that it intends to position itself as "Unapologetically American" has sent ripples of concern throughout Europe. The company's CEO in Europe, Stuart Rowley, has stated that this phrase characterizes the company's approach to its manufacturing operations, and it is one that the US government could apply to its wider economic policies.

This has become increasingly pertinent with the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides a significant $370bn in subsidies to companies that establish new, greener supply chains in the US. This has raised concerns in Europe, which is considering a response that allows national governments to subsidize their own industries. This move would be seen as a departure from the constraints that EU membership had previously placed on the UK's state aid programs.

While the UK government insists that it is a leader in green technology, the country is lagging behind both the US and the EU in battery production, with only one plant currently in operation. As the car-making industry undergoes significant change, the UK must act fast if it wants to remain competitive.

The Unite union has stated that there is a need for "concrete plans" to transform the UK's vehicle production and transport network to retain high-quality jobs in the country. Unite national officer Des Quinn emphasized the importance of long-term investment and planning from automakers, as well as a proper industrial strategy from the government.

In response to this changing landscape, Ford is looking to move away from being seen as a mass-market supplier of affordable transportation. Instead, it is focusing on a slimmer line-up of more exotic vehicles, which will exploit its evocative brand names, such as the Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck. Ford also plans to shift its focus to commercial vehicles, notably the Transit.

The shift towards electrification and greener technologies is rapidly changing the car-making industry, and it is vital that the UK keeps pace with these changes. To do so, the government must develop a comprehensive industrial strategy that supports investment in green technology and ensures that the country remains competitive in the global marketplace. Failure to do so could result in the loss of high-quality jobs and the decline of the UK's auto industry.

 

 

Ford is in the midst of a major transition to an electric future, but the journey is proving to be a bumpy one. The latest setback comes in the form of a potential battery issue that has forced the company to temporarily halt production and shipments of its F-150 truck. The incident highlights the challenges that traditional car manufacturers face as they pivot to electric vehicles.

The move towards electrification is a costly and complex process. Ford has committed to investing $50bn in developing electric cars in the coming years. The company has also pledged to transform its gearbox factory in Merseyside into a facility capable of producing hundreds of thousands of electric motors every year. This is part of a wider strategy to reduce the number of product development staff as petrol and diesel vehicles are phased out.

However, the transition is not without its costs. Ford has already ceased production of the Mondeo and is set to end production of the Fiesta in June. The company is also cutting 2,800 engineering jobs across Europe, with the majority of the cuts expected to be in the UK and Germany.

The decision to cut jobs and end production of popular models such as the Fiesta and Mondeo highlights the financial pressures that traditional car manufacturers face as they attempt to transition to an electric future. Electric cars require significant investment in technology and infrastructure, which can be difficult to justify in the short term.

Despite the challenges, Ford remains committed to its electric future. The company's CEO, Jim Farley, has stated that "we're going all-in and we're going to be electrifying all our vehicles." The company's recent investment in electric technology and infrastructure is a clear indication of its determination to succeed in the new era of electric vehicles.

However, as the recent battery issue with the F-150 demonstrates, there will be bumps in the road along the way. Ford will need to remain agile and adaptable as it navigates the challenges of the transition to an electric future. The company will also need to work closely with governments and regulators to ensure that the transition is as smooth and sustainable as possible.