1,300 jobs go as Xerox closes UK plant

American firm Xerox is to close a factory in the UK with the loss of about 1,300 jobs under plans to reduce costs, unions were told today.

The company said jobs would mostly be lost at Mitcheldean in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire under plans to improve productivity and increase competitiveness.

The Manufacturing Science and Finance Union said the announcement was a ‘‘disaster’’ for workers and their families.

Xerox said it would begin consultations with unions about the transfer of work currently done at its site in Mitcheldean.

The MSF union complained there was no prior consultation before officials were called into a meeting today to hear the news.