Ford workers go on strike

Workers at Ford plants across the UK have downed tools today in a dispute over pensions.

However, the motor giant said production lines at the seven sites where staff are taking action were not affected.

The Unite union, which represents 1,200 white-collar employees at Ford, said 67% of staff voted in favour of industrial action during a ballot in May.

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They are angry about plans to close the company's final salary pension scheme to new recruits and cut pay.

"We fiercely oppose the closure of Ford's final salary scheme to new entrants because we believe ultimately Ford will try to close the entire scheme," said Unite representative Roger Maddison.

"The UK has the best sales in Europe, there's no excuse to attack the terms and conditions of a new generation of Ford staff."

In a statement the manufacturer said: "Ford remains willing and available to continue discussions with the union representing these workers".

"The vast majority of the company's employees are not involved in this disagreement, or the decision to take industrial action," it added.

Ford employs 15,000 people in the UK.