Unions voice anger at Ford plans to axe 1,400 jobs across two sites

Trade unions say they are 'determined to fight' plans by the Ford motor company to shut down production of Transit vans at Southampton and Dagenham, leading to at least 1,400 job losses.

The Unite union said it will hold a mass meeting in Southampton on Monday to gauge its members' reaction to the news. A Unite spokesperson said Ford 'has previously made commitments to the future of Southampton, so we believe this to be a betrayal'.

Southampton and South West Hampshire TUC has also called a meeting to discuss what trade unionists locally can do about the closure plans. It takes place at Goblets Wine Bar, SO14 7DW, on Wednesday next week at 7.30pm.