Leyland wants cut of 400 jobs at Coventry works

By Clifford Webb

British Leyland wants 400 of the 4,000 staff and manual employees at its Coventry engine works to accept voluntary redundancy. Confirming this last night, a company spokesman said:  "The 400 redundancies have become necessary following a reduction in order schedules from British Leyland companies and also from outside customers who buy from the Coventry plant. Negotiations are taking place with the unions to bring manning into line with new reduced levels of production."

The plant, which manufactures marine, industrial and diesel engines, is also the group's largest source of factory reconditioned car engines. It is also a major supplier of engine components to the replacement market.