Hours cut for tyre factory staff

The company said it wanted to reduce the impact on the workforce

Working hours at a tyre factory in Cumbria are to be cut as a result of the economic slowdown.

Pirelli announced on Friday that it will also be shutting its Carlisle plant for longer than usual over the Christmas period.

It said car makers had been affected "on a dramatic scale", and it had initially attempted to weather the storm by cutting overtime to zero.

The shorter hours start on Saturday and will be reviewed on a weekly basis.

It said in a statement: "Due to the volatility in the world markets there is a weekly review of the situation and further adjustments to production may be required.

"It is the company's wish to reduce the impact of any reductions on the workforce.

"However there is also a commitment from the company and the unions to protect jobs and the long term future of the Carlisle factory."