Dozens to be made redundant at Bexhill factory

Ibstock Brick, which has a site in Turkey Road, Bexhill, is consulting with employees as part of a restructuring of business.

A company spokesman said the Covid-19 pandemic, and its resulting lockdown, has meant Ibstock has had to 'adapt quickly to material decline in near and medium-term demand'.

As part of the structural changes, 375 jobs are being put at risk.

A spokesman said around 50 jobs at its Ashdown, Bexhill, site would be affected by the proposals.

Ibstock's proposals also include the closure of two of its brick factories. However, a spokesman said Ashdown will not be 'directly affected' by the proposed closures.

Responding to the Bexhill Observer, a spokesman from Ibstock said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on the economic outlook and, along with many other businesses, Ibstock is having to adapt quickly to a material decline in near and medium-term demand.

"Following a review of our operations, we have begun a series of consultations with employees across the Group as part of a restructuring of our business. These proposals include the closure of two brick factories, mothballing one brick factory and a reduction in headcount at another two. It will also involve potential changes to shift patterns and a restructuring of our sales and administration teams, as well as the reduced use of temporary staff within our concrete business. Regrettably, the changes will potentially result in up to 375 roles being put at risk.

"These measures are being proposed only after serious consideration and are essential to protect the long-term future of the business, and preserve as many jobs as possible.

"To confirm, our Ashdown site is not directly affected by the proposed closure of the above mentioned two brick factories, but consultations will commence on this site to review circa 50 roles.