Airsprung Beds to axe jobs as profits slump

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Friday 3rd Jan 2003.

MIDDLE managers at Trowbridge firm Airsprung are to lose their jobs as part of the firm's latest cutbacks to combat falling profits.

Executives at the bed company announced that 15 supervisors would be made redundant in the New Year.

But union chiefs fear more jobs may be lost.

Branch chairman of Transport and General Union Clive Jeffries said the cut backs were too drastic.

He said: "This seems to be a very drastic measure. I think they should have made the cut backs more gradually."

Mr Jeffries, of Melksham, said the news had been taken very badly by the employees who are set to loose their jobs, especially at this time of year.

He said: "The men are gutted. The union will be trying to make some changes to the decision."

Following the announcement, there will be a 30- day consultation period during which the union will be attempting to save some of the jobs.

Earlier in the month Airsprung Chairman Philip Bradshaw announced a major restructuring plan which aims to turn around the fortunes of the company, which has been hit by a slump in market demand.

Mr Bradshaw said: "Our inability to achieve output in our busiest periods at Airsprung Beds will once again restrict profits for this financial year."

The firm closed its Scottish plant in July as part of the restructuring plan but performance in the second half of the financial year was expected to show an improvement.

At the time, bosses said the Trowbridge plant would not be under threat and that the closure of the plant in Glasgow may even bring more work to the town.

At that time, chief executive Tony Lisanti said: "We are not looking at any closure or other review here. The idea is to transfer some of the work that would have been processed through Glasgow to Trowbridge."

At the beginning of December trading was strong but despite a new management structure and changes in terms and conditions of employment, recruitment problems still remain.

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