Armitage Shanks could cut hours
Hundreds of staff at the world famous Armitage Shanks factory near Rugeley could be put on to short-time working.
Bosses at the plant, which employs more than 300 people, issued a notice to staff revealing parent firm Ideal Standard has launched a review of the business which includes the option of short-time working.
The firm says it is not considering redundancies at this stage and will talk to staff and unions.
Toilet and bathroom fittings maker Armitage Shanks, started in Rugeley by Thomas Bond in 1817, is now part of Ideal Standard International and employs 1,467 people in the UK.
The firm has been hit as demand by property developers fell and the construction industry and homeowners reined back on improvements.
A spokeswoman today confirmed the possibility of short-term working but stressed: "We are definitely not looking at redundancies.
"A notice has gone out to staff to say that we are reviewing the business operation at the moment which includes the possibility of short-time working."
She said the review was to ensure they would get through the recession and would involve all staff.
"We have seen a dramatic change in the market over the last six months and we don't know what 2009 will bring. Short-time working is something we are looking into but we will need to consult with staff and trade unions before any changes are made. At this stage we have no idea of hours that would be cut or the number of staff affected."
Short-time sees workers being laid off for a number of contractual days each week, or a number of hours in a working day. Those short-time working may be able to claim Jobseekers Allowance for the balance of the hours not worked. Advice on eligibility is via the Jobcentre.
