There has been more depressing news on the job front today, with JCB and Wedgwood confirming many job losses, and more redundancies likely at Wincanton and Land of Leather.
JCB has announced that it is making another 700 jobs redundant across the UK, following the 1,000 jobs that went last year. The company is blaming the lack of credit available to its customers for a severe drop in the number of order for its diggers and other machinery, reporting that its total business was down 75% on the same period last year.
The jobs will be lost from several of its UK plants, including the headquarters at Rocester, as well as in Rugeley and Uttoxeter, amongst others. The 700 jobs represent around 15% of its total UK workforce, so this is a big move for JCB.
In further job news, Wedgwood has confirmed that 367 workers have lost their jobs following the company going into administration last week, and all will be from its site at Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent.
Finally on the job front, distribution firm Wincanton has said it is likely to close 2 depots, in Gloucester and Trafford Park, Manchester, putting 875 jobs at risk of redundancy. The closures are likely to place after Wincanton agreed to sell a majority share to its rival, Culina.
In our last Recession Watch item today, sofa retailer Land Of Leather has called in the administrators after they failed to sell the firm or find any extra money. The company employs 850 people and has 109 showrooms across the UK.Â
For people who have paid a deposit by credit card or VISA debit card, or have paid a deposit in any other way since 26th December, should be fully protected should their orders not be fulfilled. For those who have paid a deposit by cash or non-VISA before 26th December, they will be offered a discount on other items if their order cannot be fulfilled. All people who have paid deposits should contact the enquiry helpline or get in touch through the website should they have any concerns, rather than visiting stores in person.Â
Concerned customers can call the dedicated hotline on 0800 496 0868 or email enquiries to lol@deloitte.co.uk
photo credit: Danny Boy Malinga
We are in tough economic times and I fear that these well known company’s will not be the last to announce proplems as 2009 moves on. It appears to be retailers going down the fastest as people stop spending on non-essential items.