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Fears over potential job losses at the Jaguar Land Rover plant on Merseyside are growing after bosses proposed big changes to shift patterns.

An email sent to staff at the Halewood plant and seen by BusinessLive told workers many of them would be moving to a '2+ shift pattern' from a '3 shift pattern' as of November, with the pay offer subject to a workforce ballot.

But while JLR told staff that would mean "more flexibility and productivity", various employees have raised fears it could pave the way for further job losses.

One employee, who wished to remain anonymous through fear for their job, said: "It's a pretty bad thing because we don't get much of a life as it is.

"In terms of manpower, it seems like they are trying to cut people out of the company."

Another said: "Staff in the plant are not happy considering JLR is making good profit and are finding money to build new factories but not to help the staff."

The move will see a big change in how the plant operates, and while there has not yet been any official indication it will lead to redundancies, a third employee said there were rumours it could mean "up to 500" job losses - although Unite, the union representing most JLR staff, said it did not recognise that figure.

The union said the move was in fact intended to safeguard jobs and preserve skills.