Train firm in jobs talks

Bombardier wants to safeguard jobs

The Derby train maker Bombardier has promised to continue negotiations to try to safeguard jobs in the city.

The company is building 700 trains which will keep staff busy for the coming months but after that there is a gap in the order books.

The firm had hoped to stagger the delivery until 2005, but the Strategic Rail Authority refused, saying passengers would lose out.

Despite this, Bombardier insists it is not a major problem.

The SRA has insisted all 700 trains planned for the South Central franchise must be delivered together.

But it has also told Bombardier it will consider other proposals for helping the plant.

The company is in the process of a major review of operations - which local unions and MPs fear could mean jobs losses in Derby.