Caravan manufacturer Swift has confirmed it has made a series of redundancies at its East Yorkshire facility.
The Cottingham-based business, which employs over 1,100 people, announced last November it had entered into a consultation with staff affected.
Swift said at the time the “turbulent political and economic climate” had led to the decision to cut production of its touring caravans and motorhomes.
It has now confirmed redundancies took place at Swift in December.
Swift has also closed its Mexborough facility in South Yorkshire. Some staff affected by that closure have been transferred to East Yorkshire, the company said.
A spokesman said: “Due to the prolonged turbulent political and economic climate which has impacted on consumer confidence, the company has found it necessary to reduce its production volume of touring caravans and motorhomes.
“As a responsible manufacturer, we actively respond to market changes and the challenges they present, constantly reviewing our cost base to ensure the company is as fit as it can be today and into the future.
“In November, the company entered into consultation process with its to consider options for streamlining the business in line with the reduction of production volumes.
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“Through collaborative working during the consultation with employee representatives, we worked together to agree a fair and transparent process for those affected by the review.”
In May, Swift Group announced its turnover had risen to £287.8m due to increasing sales.
Since then however, Swift has blamed the introduction of Vehicle Excise Duty – which sees buyers now forced to pay a fee of up to £2,135 when they first buy a motorhome – for reduced sales in the industry.
The business received the backing of MP David Davis, who hit out at the new fees after a visit to Swift’s Cottingham facility.
Swift has now provided an update on the consultation it announced in November.
It said some staff had taken voluntary redundancy, and said some staff were being transferred from the former Mexborough facility to Cottingham.
Despite this, Hull Live understands less than five per cent of Swift’s workforce – around 50 – other employees have also lost their jobs.
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The Swift spokesman said: “Unfortunately at our Mexborough site we were not able to identify any viable business solutions to maintain production. As a result the site will not operate past 2019. A small number of colleagues will be transferring to our Cottingham site in the New Year.
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“We have accepted a number of voluntary redundancies from those in affected areas at Cottingham and have been able to redeploy some employees into other roles, leading to a considerable reduction in the overall number of people affected.
“Regretfully a number of employees left the business in December. For those affected, the company worked closely with the Rapid Response Service and Careers Service to provide support and help to prepare them for their search for employment.
“Looking towards the future and 2020 the organisation is appropriately structured to achieve our business plans.”
Swift is one of the 海角视频’s biggest caravan manufacturers.
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