Responses to Closure of Ford Engine Plant

Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben

Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben – the automotive industry charity commented:

The changing landscape of the automotive industry means a less certain future for its workers and their families, creating an increasingly pressured environment for them. Today’s news about Ford is only testament to this.

In a challenging world, the lifeblood of the industry – its people – should be put first. As the automotive sector’s charity and support service, we’ve seen a big increase in people worried about their mental health, with money problems including debt also a growing concern. Job losses can be a catalyst for these issues and spark a ripple effect that impacts family dependents, too. The strain of losing a job, and pressure to find another, while balancing other demands, can leave skilled people feeling stuck, anxious and depressed. We support those people, and their family dependents, through life’s toughest challenges.

Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Mike Hawes

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive:
“Today’s announcement is another crushing blow for UK automotive manufacturing and, especially, the staff and their families in and around Bridgend. Ford’s challenges are not unique: economic uncertainty at home and abroad, technological change and global trade issues are stressing markets and forcing companies to review operations and make difficult decisions. Success in this fiercely competitive global industry, however, starts at home and we hope that all efforts will be made over the coming weeks to restore confidence, bolster demand and ensure there is long term competitiveness for this crucial sector.”