750 jobs under threat at Toyota's plant in Derbyshire

Product recall for models with faulty accelerator pedals extended to Europe

Carmaker Toyota has warned unions it has a “headcount surplus” of 750 at its main UK factory near Derby, raising fears of major job losses.

In a brief statement the company said 2009 had been a tough year for its manufacturing business in the UK, and that the 3500 staff at the Burnaston plant had been warmed cutbacks would be necessary later this year. One of two production lines at the plant, which makes the Auris and Avensis, will be shut down in August. 

It said: “This decision is related to production capacity and efficiency not to production volumes.

“During a meeting with our employee representatives on Monday we confirmed that we will have a headcount surplus of around 750 members from August onwards. The key point of Monday’s discussion was how to manage this situation in order to ensure we have a sustainable business for the long term.”

Union officials said they would be seeking urgent talks with the company to make sure any job losses were voluntary.

The move is a disappointment for workers after the company announced it would begin making a hybrid version of the Auris at Burnaston this summer last year. At the time business secretary Lord Mandelson said it was “great news, not just here [Burnaston], but for the supply chain”.

Meanwhile, in another blow to the reputation of the Japanese car maker, the company has extended a US recall over faulty accelerator pedals to Europe.

Eight models have the problem, with worn accelerator pedal mechanisms that may “stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position”, Toyota said.

The carmaker said it would directly communicate with European customers with vehicles that are affected by the problem. Toyota said a driver whose car is affected may notice that the pedal is harder to depress and slower to return.

“A rough or chattered feeling may also be experienced when depressing/releasing the accelerator pedal,” it said.

Customers who are concerned should contact Toyota Customer Service for help before recall instructions are issued.