Car maker Bentley reveals plans to cut up to 1,000 jobs
The news comes after fellow car maker Aston Martin said it would shed up to 500 jobs.
Friday 5 June 2020 14:00, UK
Bentley is to cut up to 1,000 jobs under a "voluntary release programme" and cannot rule out future compulsory redundancies, it has announced.
The company, which employs 4,200 people, blamed "significant effects on the short-term financial outlook" for the job cuts.
In a statement, it said: "Letters have been issued to all colleagues outlining the personal financial terms of the offer based on length of service, age and salary.
"To make career transitions easier, Bentley is also providing financial support towards career guidance for all colleagues that choose to pursue a new professional direction.
"In the interest of protecting Bentley through this immediate crisis, avoiding any further reductions in colleague numbers, and securing the company's future, Bentley is looking for as many as 1,000 colleagues to accept these
terms.
"However, Bentley cannot rule out future compulsory redundancies."
Bentley was founded in London in 1919 and is now owned by Volkswagen.
It resumed production at its Crewe headquarters in Crewe on 11 May, when 1,700 workers returned to the site following the easing of lockdown measures.
The news from Bentley comes just a day after Aston Martin said it will cut up to 500 jobs, due to lower-than-planned production volumes and improved productivity.
Aston Martin said the restructuring is expected to cost around £12m but it is intended to deliver savings of £10m per year.
Meanwhile, car dealership Lookers has announced it will cut about 1,500 jobs and close 12 showrooms, leaving it with 136 dealerships in the UK.