Castle Bromwich Jaguar workers reject proposals

Jaguar's F-type will be based on the C-X16 concept car

Workers at a Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) plant in Birmingham have turned down proposals to change their working practices.

JLR is owned by Indian firm Tata, which wants to improve productivity at the Castle Bromwich factory by introducing compulsory Saturday working.

The Unite union had recommended the deal to its members, but it was rejected by 64%.

JLR said discussions would continue on the proposals.

Tata wants to improve productivity at the site by introducing compulsory Saturday working as well as alcohol and drug testing for staff.

'Issue forward'

BBC Midlands Business Correspondent Peter Plisner said there was talk of an investment of about £200m, including having up to 1,000 new jobs, in exchange for changes in working practices.

JLR said it had not confirmed any details regarding investment or jobs, but said the ballot took place.

In a statement, the company said union representatives and the Castle Bromwich management team would continue discussions on the proposals.

Tim Parker, from Unite, said it was talking to members about their concerns and listening to them.

He added: "We will then take those concerns into discussions with the management with JLR and see whether or not we can resolve those problems to take this issue forward."

JLR is to build a successor to its previous sports cars called the F-type at its Castle Bromwich plant.

It will launch as a two-seater convertible with petrol engines and the design will be based on the C-X16 concept which was unveiled in September 2011. The car will go on sale in mid-2013.