News and features

Tue, 8 Sep 2009

Short-time working at Jaguar 'will retain skills'

Unite spokesperson explains how short-time working deals can benefit the auto industry.

A spokesperson for Unite, the UK's largest trade union, has welcomed the move to create a four-day working week at Jaguar Land Rover.

Last week, workers at the car manufacturer voted to back proposals shortening the working week and implementing a pay freeze for one year, thereby avoiding compulsory redundancies.

The scheme, which was backed by 70 per cent of employees, is designed to safeguard jobs at the Jaguar Land Rover sites at Gaydon, Whitley, Castle Bromwich, Halewood, Solihull and Browns Lane.

The Unite spokesperson said that other car manufacturers should hold onto their skilled employees during the recession by following the example set by Jaguar Land Rover.

"Anything that keeps skills in place ready for any upturn is a very welcome move. It's a critical thing," she commented.

"We do not want to haemorrhage skills from this sector … when you lose skills, they don't come back again."

The result of the workers' ballot at Jaguar Land Rover was announced by Unite and the GMB on March 5th.

A statement from the unions explained: "The management agreed with our view that, when this unprecedented recession ends, the retention of a skilled and loyal workforce is an integral part to the ongoing success of this business."

It is not only the auto manufacturing sector that has used a shortened working week to safeguard skills and retain talented employees.

Earlier this year, accountancy firm KPMG offered employees the option of working a four-day week or taking a short period of leave at 30 per cent pay.

• Read more about how nurturing talent amongst your employees will give you real business benefits - helping you through the current economic climate.