Workers speak of their relief

Workers at the Jaguar Land Rover plants in Castle Bromwich and Solihull, both in the West Midlands, have faced a worrying time after hearing one of the plants could shut. They tell of their relief and happiness their jobs are secure.

The welder

Paul Wootton is a body welder at Castle Bromwich

Paul Wootton, a body welder at the Castle Bromwich plant, said it seemed too good to be true.

The 62-year-old from Shard End, has worked there for 11 years.

He said: "People don't want to be messed around.

"They need to know what is happening and now they do."

The paint shop worker

Mick Jones said the news was better than good

Mick Jones, 49, from Erdington, works at the Castle Bromwich plant. He described the news as "better than good".

"It is far more than we could have expected and I am gobsmacked," he said.

"It shows the company has faith in us."

The newcomer

Ali Khan has been at the Castle Bromwich plant for two months

Ali Khan has only worked at the Castle Bromwich plant for two months.

The 31-year-old, from Highgate, said he was glad the company was putting money into the plant.

It gave him and other workers security, he added. Mr Khan said he was an agency worker and could work elsewhere.

The family member

Yvonne Washbourne said the news would help suppliers

Yvonne Washbourne, from Birmingham, was waiting at Lode Lane to give a lift to a family member who works there.

"That's fantastic news, not only for the workers but for the economy of Birmingham and the West Midlands, because obviously with the recession a lot of people are worried about their jobs and their future and their homes.

"As the West Midlands has taken a rather big hit since the recession started, this will give a boost to the small companies that supply goods to the three factories."

The plant convener

Bob Nason believes the future of all three plants, including Halewood, have been secured

Bob Nason, a plant convener at Solihull, said it was great news.

"We've still got to get it to the membership. That ballot will take place in a few weeks' time, we've got the presentation next week, but I think it's good news.

"Not only have we secured what we believe is a good pay deal, we've also secured the future of all three plants for the next 10 years.

"It's all about securing job security not just for the three plants but for the component industry as well."