The car giant currently employs more than 1,800 staff at its South Wales engine factory. The plans follow Ford's decision to cut costs on its new Ford Dragon engine design announced last year. In a statement Ford declared: "Beyond that, identified workload is reduced and whilst such a forecast is not unusual, given the cyclical nature of our business, it is a concern, and we fully understand that. "Ford has therefore proposed a joint-working party with unions, Unite and GMB, to identify future business opportunities. Meetings between Unite union and Ford authorities are expected to be held today to address the matter. If Ford goes ahead with the reductions, the engine plant will be left with around 600 workers on the site. Andy Richards, the secretary of Unite Wales, said: "It's our belief that Ford are going to have to confirm that when the Jaguar engine finishes there in 2020 there is no future business plan for the plant. We believe our concerns are going to be realised that at least 1,160 jobs will be at risk "And we believe our concerns are going to be realised that at least 1,160 jobs will be at risk." The news was confirmed by Unite leader Len McCluskey who said that Ford gave him Bridgend plans for the next five years. Mr McCluskey said: "We've asked Ford to provide for us the plans for Bridgend for the next five years, and they have done that. "Embodied in that is a significant drop in the number of jobs. "But our message is clear... Ford have a duty to commit to the workforce in Bridgend. Bridgend plant currently manufactures Jaguar and Ford Sigma engines under a contract that ends in 2020. Carwyn Jones, the First Minister of Wales, expressed his concern over the news, with a spokesman stating that the Welsh Government is seeking 'urgent assurances' from Ford. The spokesperson for Mr Jones said: "We are also speaking to the workforce through the trades unions and offering them every assistance. "We have worked very closely with Ford over a number of years to secure a future for the Bridgend plant, and we remain committed to supporting these vital manufacturing jobs." PH 1 of 20 Theresa May confirmed at Prime Minister's Question Time that she was aware of the situation. She said: "Ford is an important investor here. It has been established here for over 100 years. "We have had dialogue with Ford. We will continue to have a regular dialogue with Ford about the ways government can help to make sure this success continues.
