Thousands of staff at manufacturing firm JCB have agreed to reduce their working week in an attempt to save their jobs.

In a two-thirds majority, members of the GMB union revealed around 2,500 members of seven JCB factories throughout England and Wales agreed to accept a 34-hour week to save the jobs of 350 people.

The plants are at Wrexham, Rocester, Rudgley, Utoxeter, and three at Rudgley.

The workforce will now work 34 hours over four days per week from Monday to Thursday, depending on shift times.

They will stand to lose £50 per week, and this will be made up by £20.45 per day, guaranteed minimum pay for five days in 13 weeks.

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JCB, which has 11 factories in total throughout the UK, said it needed to reduce output across the UK by 19% "to align its production with current demand".

Matthew Taylor, JCB Chief Executive Officer, said: "The ballot result shows tremendous unity amongst the JCB workforce and a great team spirit, which I applaud.

"They have looked after the needs of one another rather than the needs of the individual and that is to be commended."

GMB officer Keith Hodgkinson, also praised the result. He said: "I am delighted that we have been able to save 350 jobs. The vote shows the social solidarity of trades union members in action.

"The short time is part of a worsening recession and these GMB members expect the Government and the Bank of England to take the necessary steps to begin large scale public works to at least slow the recession down and prevent it getting too deep."

JCB employs more than 8,000 people worldwide in more than 150 countries. It is the world's third largest manufacturer of construction equipment.

The company said the new working schedule will be implemented from next month.

(JM)