Sandie Seward
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Job WAtch Weekly Summary. (15/03)THE downturn is still deepening and the British economy is on course for its worst year since 1931. The Office for National Statistics reported that manufacturing output fell by 6.4% in the three months to January.
Monday, March 9
Britain’s job market received a much-needed boost with the news that the American retail giant Best Buy will create 1,000 jobs when it opens its first stores here in 2010.
Tuesday, March 10
The good news didn’t last long. MEN Media, publisher of Guardian Media Group’s Manchester Evening News and 22 weeklies, told staff that 150 jobs will go.
The design and engineering consultancy Scott Wilson confirmed that up to 350 UK jobs would be cut. Wrekin, a Midlands construction group, went into administration, jeopardising 600 jobs.
Wednesday, March 11
Manchester airport announced an expansion that could create 5,000 new jobs, while 800 fresh positions are expected at BAE Systems in Samlesbury, Lancashire. Some 500 jobs are to be axed by Renishaw, Gloucestershire’s largest private employer.
Thursday, March 12
Savekers, a 106-year-old Birmingham family firm that produced components for Spitfire fighters and Lancaster bombers during the second world war, collapsed with the loss of 34 jobs. A further 26 are under threat.
Friday, March 13
Tesco closed its Fastway distribution depot at Daventry, Northamptonshire, with the loss of 150 posts. NCR, one of Scotland’s oldest technology firms, ceased production in Dundee after more than 60 years. The closure of its Gourdie plant with the loss of 252 jobs provoked outrage.
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