SAD DAY AS 124 JOBS GO AT FORD PLANT

8.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 22nd Aug 2008

Reacting with dismay to the news that over 120 employees with six month contracts at Ford's Swaythling plant will not have their contracts renewed, Bassett and Swaythling MP, Sandra Gidley, said:

"This is tragic news for those workers and their families who are to lose their jobs. Unfortunately it is a sign of the economic times and I know from discussions with Ford that they have been reluctant to lose well trained and valuable staff."

The job losses are to go as 'Transit' van sales fall as the credit crunch hits both businesses and individuals.

"Ford do not want to leave Southampton and I understand that they are looking at a number of different options for the future. Of course today is a sad day for the city, but Southampton is a great city for business and we are all committed to keeping as many jobs as possible" added Sandra.

ENDS