Jaguar to create over 1100 new UK jobs

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is recruiting more than 1,100 new staff to join its production team at Castle Bromwich in the West Midlands.

This follows landslide support from employees at the plant, for alterations to their working practices, which include compulsory Saturday working.

Although 64% of workers opposed the scheme in May, more than 70% of their number agreed the proposals just five days ago.

The MP for Birmingham, Jack Dromey, said: “JLR is a world-class company with a world-class workforce. But two years ago the Jag faced closure. Now a factory with a great history, has a great future. I cannot praise the Jag workers too highly. They have co-operated in change and thousands of jobs and apprenticeships will be created. In bleak times, this is brilliant news.”

JLR has reported record profits and a 19% increase in its global sales in the first half of this year, as compared to the same period in 2011. Its new XF Sportbrake estate car is to be built, along with the XF, XK and XJ models that are already manufactured at the Castle Bromwich plant.

Vince Cable, the business secretary, is supportive of the move. He said: “This expansion is a clear demonstration of Jaguar Land Rover’s continuing commitment and investment in the UK.”

Jane Evans