05.03.2020

JCB returns to full time

JCB is ending the short time work schedules at its UK factories and reverting to a full five day week.

Around 4,000 employees and agency workers have been working a 34 hour week for the past two to three weeks, due to anticipated component shortages from Chinese suppliers impacted by the Covid19/Corona virus outbreak - see: JCB cuts back production. But as shipments from China have begun to return to normal, there are risks of issues from Italy and South Korea but not sufficient to continue the short time working.

Chief executive Graeme Macdonald said: “This is not a moment for celebration, but it is a step in the right direction. There has been some improvement in the shipment of components from China but new threats are emerging from our supply chain in other parts of the world, notably Italy and South Korea. We will continue to monitor the situation very closely on a daily basis and take any necessary measures to protect the business.”