Jobs at risk as caravan sales slump

Last Modified: 07 Oct 2008
Source: PA News

Hundreds of jobs are set to be cut by two caravan companies because of a slump in orders, workers were told.

The GMB union said around 360 jobs could be affected because of the cutback at Hull-based firms Cosalt Holiday Homes and Atlas Holiday Homes.

Up to 280 jobs are threatened at Cosalt and 80 at Atlas following a decline in sales of caravans and static homes.

The GMB said it had been told that Atlas will close its factory between October 17 and November 3, with workers not being paid.

Cosalt's parent company, Grimsby-based Cosalt plc, announced it was selling the Hull caravan and lodge business in June this year. According to a statement made by the company at the time, it said it was trading below expectations due to the economic climate and conditions specific to the caravan industry.

GMB official Ken Vincent said: "The storm clouds of recession are blowing on Humberside.

"GMB was called to a surprise meeting with the firm's managers last week to discuss the situation. GMB was told that the company didn't have any orders beyond October 31.

"We are in a three-month consultation, which means the last workers to leave will be on New Year's Eve."

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