Almost 300 jobs are to be axed at JCB, it has been announced.

In September, the digger manufacturer revealed 400 jobs would have to go across the UK due to a slowdown in the world market.

The firm has begun discussions with GMB union over the proposed redundancies.

The company has eight factories in Staffordshire, one in Derbyshire and two in Wrexham.

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Chief Executive Graeme Macdonald said the construction equipment agency is currently facing 'very tough trading conditions' and must react to the current situation.

"Regrettably this means taking the very difficult decision to reduce the number of shop floor positions by up to 290 across the UK," he said. "As the global economy shows no sign of improving, the short-term outlook remains very challenging."

The company said that in the first six months of the year, the market in Russia has dropped by 70%, Brazil by 36% and China by 47%.

It added other parts of Europe are also struggling.

(LM/CD)