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| 210 Welsh Panasonic jobs at risk | 210 Welsh Panasonic jobs at risk |
| (41 minutes later) | |
| The electronics company Panasonic says 209 jobs could go at its Welsh plants. | The electronics company Panasonic says 209 jobs could go at its Welsh plants. |
| The company said 139 jobs in Newport and 70 in Cardiff could be lost. Panasonic said it would cut 15,000 jobs worldwide earlier in February. | The company said 139 jobs in Newport and 70 in Cardiff could be lost. Panasonic said it would cut 15,000 jobs worldwide earlier in February. |
| Trade union Unite confirmed the company had told it about restructuring plans at the Newport plant, which employs 413 people making telephone systems. | Trade union Unite confirmed the company had told it about restructuring plans at the Newport plant, which employs 413 people making telephone systems. |
| Bryan Godsell, of Unite, said workers were "extremely shocked" by the scale of the possible redundancies. | Bryan Godsell, of Unite, said workers were "extremely shocked" by the scale of the possible redundancies. |
| In a statement, Panasonic said 139 positions at its Newport plant where 413 people are currently employed are likely to go. | In a statement, Panasonic said 139 positions at its Newport plant where 413 people are currently employed are likely to go. |
| 'Extremely shocked' | 'Extremely shocked' |
| It blamed "aggressive price competition" as well as the current economic downturn for its decision. | It blamed "aggressive price competition" as well as the current economic downturn for its decision. |
| In the Cardiff plant, which has Panasonic's microwave oven division, the company said it planned to reduce production volumes "and consequently there might be a reduction in permanent headcount of up to 70 staff". | In the Cardiff plant, which has Panasonic's microwave oven division, the company said it planned to reduce production volumes "and consequently there might be a reduction in permanent headcount of up to 70 staff". |
| The Newport factory makes telecoms equipment for the company's Panasonic Communications Company UK (PCCUK) division. | The Newport factory makes telecoms equipment for the company's Panasonic Communications Company UK (PCCUK) division. |
| Mr Godsell, the union's regional officer said the announcement was not "totally unexpected" in the current economic conditions. We found we're not safe in even these areas in this particular downturn in the economy Jonathan Deacon, Newport Business School | |
| "However, our local representatives and members are extremely shocked by the scale of the potential redundancy. | "However, our local representatives and members are extremely shocked by the scale of the potential redundancy. |
| "The only good news is that Panasonic PCCUK Newport is not one of the 27 plants worldwide targeted for closure. | "The only good news is that Panasonic PCCUK Newport is not one of the 27 plants worldwide targeted for closure. |
| "If the redundancy takes place as proposed it will have a massive impact on the economy of south east Wales. | "If the redundancy takes place as proposed it will have a massive impact on the economy of south east Wales. |
| "Once again we may well see well paid highly skilled jobs sacrificed at a time when the Welsh economy can ill afford further job losses," he said. | "Once again we may well see well paid highly skilled jobs sacrificed at a time when the Welsh economy can ill afford further job losses," he said. |
| He said the union would be working to minimise the impact of the cuts and protect the future of the Newport plant. | He said the union would be working to minimise the impact of the cuts and protect the future of the Newport plant. |
| Mervyn Burnett of the GMB union said: "This is very disappointing news. We are seeking an urgent meeting with the company to try and find out the nature of the problem." | Mervyn Burnett of the GMB union said: "This is very disappointing news. We are seeking an urgent meeting with the company to try and find out the nature of the problem." |
| Jonathan Deacon, of Newport Business School, said the announcement was a sign that the recession was "digging yet deeper" in the Welsh economy. | |
| "It's hitting at exactly what we wanted to do in Wales which was to broaden our base, our economy across the new and high tech-based businesses away from the traditional businesses and industries, and we found we're not safe in even these areas in this particular downturn in the economy." |