Forty facing axe at bearing firm

Barden workers will find out who is going over the next 30 days

Ball bearing firm Barden Corporation is shedding about 40 of its 430 employees in Plymouth.

The German-owned firm, which has been in Plymouth for 26 years, is blaming the "difficult global economic climate" for a fall in demand.

The firm produces about 1,000 different types of bearings, from ceramic bearings in dentists' drills to aerospace bearings.

The company said it was making a 10% cut in employees with "sincere regret".

'Embrace change'

There will be a 30-day consultation period with workers.

Managing director Graham Stirling said in a statement: "Whilst the potential job losses are saddening for Barden, the company believes it is well positioned to take advantage of any upturn in economic activity.

"Barden has a well trained and highly skilled workforce, well placed to compete in this difficult climate.

"We will come through this challenge, but it will require us all to embrace change."