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'Nightmare' of 1,100 Ford job cuts at Bridgend - union

The GMB union has criticised the US car giant, Ford as being a 'nightmare', following concerns that more than a thousand jobs could be at risk at its Bridgend plant.

The unions, who have been in talks with bosses at Ford this afternoon, say the worst case scenario has come true that Ford will cut 1,100 workers over a five year period - eventually leaving just 600 workers on the site.

It follows the company's decision to cut investment in the Dragon engine project, announced in September, that would have seen the south Wales plant produce Ford's new generation of petrol engines.

Contracts with Jaguar are also due to end in the coming years, with unions warning that Brexit hasn't helped matters.

GMB union official, Jeff Beck, told Sky News: "The nightmare for our members at Bridgend has unfortunately come true.

"This is a real kick in the teeth for our hard-working members at the Ford plant as well as their families and the community as a whole."

Ford has told Sky News that the Bridgend plant must fulfil its commitment in terms of delivery, quality and the cost of the products it manufactures.

It also said that just like other Ford plants around the world, winning new contracts depends on the plant's efficiency and global competitiveness.

Unions have said that today's meetings mean workers are "one step closer to strike action in defence of their jobs".

One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, told me he wanted assurances from Ford. He said he couldn't understand how a company that sold so many cars in the UK could let down its workforce.

General secretary of the Unite union, Len McCluskey, told Sky News: "Brexit is clearly a factor here.

"So I appeal again to the Westminster government and Theresa May to make it categorically clear without delay that there will be tariff-free access to the single market and customs union, because the uncertainty the UK's automotive sector is enduring is having damaging real life consequences now, before talks have even begun."

The Prime Minister and Wales' First Minister, Carwyn Jones have said they're seeking assurances from Ford to ensure the plant in Bridgend remains part of the company's "success" in Britain after leaving the European Union.