Industrial
gases group BOC is to make 1,500 job cuts worldwide, due to difficulties in the
semi-conductor industry.
The
company confirmed that at least forty per cent of those job losses would come
from its UK subsidiary, BOC Edwards.
The
T & G union hit out at the decision by BOC, claiming that productivity
gains by workers had resulted in job losses.
Jim
Mowatt, the T & G ‘s chief negotiator for the gas industry, said, “It is
indeed, ironic that the UK workforce has worked both harder and smarter to
deliver on productivity targets now faces an uncertain future.
The
T & G is meeting up with BOC’s management tomorrow to clarify the company’s
plans.
“We
will be making very strong representations that any job cuts in the UK should
be achieved through voluntary means. I am determined that after all our efforts
no one should have to walk the plank and lose their dignity,” commented Mowatt.
Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance
Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday
By
Karen Higginbottom
