Friday 19th September 2014

Lotus jobs at risk

Up to 325 workers could go as part of Group Lotus restructuring

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Whenever an email with the subject "statement from Group Lotus PLC" arrives you can't help but assume the worst, given what's been happening at Hethel over the last few years. Unfortunately that's the case this time as well with a planned reshuffle of the global workforce that, according to the statement, "may involve the loss of up to 325 jobs."

Gales has been Lotus CEO since May

Lotus states there is a need 'to both reshape its organisation and reduce costs' to protect the company's future. We're told that sales have improved recently they are evidently still not where required. Of course the plan is to redeploy existing staff wherever possible but with further recruitment for key roles "to help achieve the best possible structure and skill base."

Group Lotus, the parent company of both Lotus Cars and Lotus Engineering, says the next step is to consult with workers' representatives on how job losses can be avoided, but it does sound like large scale redundancies are very likely.

Lotus CEO Jean-Marc Gales said: "We deeply regret the potential impact any reshaping of the business may have on our employees and their families. We have worked very hard to avoid the need to make the proposal, but do believe that it is now essential".

So the immediate future looks bleak - but if severe measures save Lotus's future does it become a price worth paying?

Gales has stressed the potential benefits of Lotus's restructuring, adding: "Once the reshaping has been undertaken.. Lotus should be a more competitive organisation, focusing on both producing class-leading sports cars and innovative engineering".

Potentially a huge change for Lotus then. We'll keep you posted as more details emerge over the coming weeks.

[Chris Y]

That sounds bad. I hope things pick and people get re-employed asap. The Elise is the best fun per pound car on the planet and must survive!