1,400 jobs to go at Ford

Car manufacturer Ford has announced plans to close two of its UK factories, resulting in the loss of around 1,400 jobs.

The company said its plant in Swaythling, Southampton will be shut down next summer. Around 500 employees work at the factory, which produces Transit vans.

A Ford factory in Dagenham, east London - which supplies Transit van parts - will also be closed in the middle of 2013.

The move marks the end of 100 years of Ford vehicle production in the UK. Following the closures, only engines and other car parts will be manufactured in the country.

Commenting on the decision, Len McClusky, general secretary of the Unite union, said Ford had "betrayed" its workers and had handled the announcement "disgracefully".

"Only a few months ago Ford was promising staff a new Transit model for Southampton in 2014," he remarked. "The planned closures will really hurt the local economies and the supply chain will be badly hit - up to 10,000 jobs could be at risk."