Last updated 20:18, Friday, 21 November 2008

WORKERS at Carlisle’s Pirelli tyre factory are to have their working week reduced as a result of the collapse in the global car sales market.

Pirelli factory, Carlisle

The Dalston Road factory will also see an extended Christmas and New Year shutdown as demand for tyres across the world reduces dramatically. The measures will be introduced on Monday.

The decision has been taken after other measures, such as scrapping overtime, failed to produce the necessary savings.
Bosses have refused to reveal how by how much the working week will be reduced and the length of the festive shutdown, because they are still in discussions with unions.

Rumours among the workforce have suggested they will be forced to adopt a four day week.

In a statement Pirelli said: “The current economic slowdown is hitting car manufacturers globally on a dramatic scale.

“We have seen extended periods of shutdown and factory closures on a dramatic scale.

“The company has taken steps already to try and mitigate the effect on employees by reducing to zero overtime wherever possible. Unfortunately these actions do not mirror the unprecedented fall in production experienced in the car industry.

“There is therefore a necessity to introduce a reduction in working hours for all our production employees in tandem with an extended shutdown over the Christmas and New Year period.

“The reduction in hours is planned to commence from the November 22 2008.

“Due to the volatility in the world markets there is a weekly review of the situation and further adjustments to production may be required.

“It is the company’s wish to reduce the impact of any reductions on the workforce, however there is also a commitment from the company and the unions to protect jobs and the long term future of the Carlisle factory.

“Pirelli Industrial in the UK is faring better than the majority of our competitors and has not currently faced the level of shutdown and reduction they are experiencing. “