ASTON Martin has axed 600 jobs, blaming the economic downturn for the cuts.
The firm has cut 300 full time and 300 temporary posts from the Gaydon headquarters.
The company announced last week it would extend its Christmas break at its plant in Warwickshire by two weeks.
‘Like other premium car brands, Aston Martin has been forced to take action to respond to the unprecedented downturn in the global economy,’ chief executive Dr Ulrich Bez said.
‘These are regrettable but necessary measures in the extraordinary market conditions we all now face.
‘Overall, we remain confident that the Aston Martin brand is the strongest it has ever been – with dedicated design, engineering and manufacturing facilities and an award-winning product range, we remain well positioned for the upturn in the economy.’
The moves have wound up unions. Unite said it was devastating news just before Christmas.
Its national officer Dave Osborne, told the BBC: ‘In the current climate, this is not surprising but we are extremely disappointed that Aston Martin have announced 600 job cuts.’
