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Hundreds of jobs to be cut at NCR | Hundreds of jobs to be cut at NCR |
(41 minutes later) | |
Technology firm NCR is to end manufacturing work in Dundee with the loss of about 252 jobs. | Technology firm NCR is to end manufacturing work in Dundee with the loss of about 252 jobs. |
The ATM manufacturer blamed "unprecedented contraction in the global economy" for the cuts. | The ATM manufacturer blamed "unprecedented contraction in the global economy" for the cuts. |
Engineering, manufacturing, marketing and support staff will be affected by the reductions in the workforce. | |
About 450 people will continue to work for the firm in the city focussing on areas such as research and development and new product introduction. | About 450 people will continue to work for the firm in the city focussing on areas such as research and development and new product introduction. |
Two years ago, 650 jobs were lost at NCR in Dundee. | Two years ago, 650 jobs were lost at NCR in Dundee. |
'Challenging times' | 'Challenging times' |
Rick Marquardt, NCR's vice president of global manufacturing, said: "Like many companies, we have taken a number of prudent steps to better manage our cost structure in recent months. | Rick Marquardt, NCR's vice president of global manufacturing, said: "Like many companies, we have taken a number of prudent steps to better manage our cost structure in recent months. |
"However, based on the current business outlook, we now need to make the difficult but necessary decision of proposing further workforce reductions in Dundee in order to protect our position. | "However, based on the current business outlook, we now need to make the difficult but necessary decision of proposing further workforce reductions in Dundee in order to protect our position. |
"We realise that these changes will bring challenging times for those employees affected and we are committed to helping any individuals affected with comprehensive outplacement support." | "We realise that these changes will bring challenging times for those employees affected and we are committed to helping any individuals affected with comprehensive outplacement support." |
Workers were given the news at 1100 GMT and then sent home until Monday. | |
Fiona Farmer from the Unite union said: "They're absolutely devastated. | |
"There was an expectation that production was heading downwards and there may be some job losses, but certainly this is way and beyond what anybody was expecting. This is another massive blow for Dundee and in particular NCR employees Jim McGovernDundee West MP | |
"This is just a major blow for Dundee and those employed in manufacturing at the site. In a lot of cases it will be husband and wife, father and son, whole families will be affected." | |
A 90-day consultation on the proposed restructuring is set to begin with union and employee representative groups. | |
Speaking outside NCR's Gourdie factory, Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick said: "This is heartbreaking news. It is a tragic loss to Dundee's manufacturing sector. | |
"It is the end of an era. I am deeply saddened for the workers and their families. | |
"However I am pleased that the research and development operation remains in Dundee but we must be constantly vigilant to protect these jobs." | |
Dundee West MP Jim McGovern added: "I was devastated to hear this morning of NCR's proposed 252 job losses in Dundee, this is another massive blow for Dundee and in particular NCR employees. | |
"I will do all I can to help those who are to lose their jobs and I will be in contact with the union and NCR regularly to ensure the 90 day consultation period is conducted honestly and fairly as the NCR employees deserve." | |
Dundee Lord Provost John Letford said: "The fact that NCR has made this announcement in the current financial climate cannot be a surprise to anyone, but that is no consolation to the people who now find themselves looking for work. | |
"NCR has a long and proud connection with Dundee, and that is being maintained with the retention of the company's research and development section at Kingsway West. | |
"That is not much comfort to those affected by today's news, but the company is looking to its own future and the future of the city by retaining this facility here." |