Workers at luxury car maker Bentley have been left shocked and angry after the firm announced up to 275 job losses, a union has said. The manufacturer, based in Crewe, Cheshire, confirmed the cuts after it saw its operating profits fall to £187m in 2025 - a 42% drop when compared to 2024. Bentley said it was part of "overall efficiency activities", which would affect management, agency and non-manufacturing employees, but investment would continue at its Pyms Lane site. Karen Lewis, regional officer at the GMB union, told BBC Radio Stoke: "[The workers] are very shocked but also quite angry as well." She said the company was one of the biggest employers in the area, with people commuting from Liverpool and further afield to work there. "People are obviously upset and angry because they see the bonuses that have been paid to managers over the years," she said. Lewis said the industry had "taken a beating" since the Covid pandemic and it had also been affected by US President Donald Trump's tariffs. "But the rich are still buying cars," she added, "and it's our members, the workforce, who are still working day-in, day-out to create these luxury cars. So this has come as a big shock." Bentley chief executive and chairman Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser said the company was investing in its factory "at unprecedented levels", but needed to make "some difficult decisions" to ensure its long-term competitiveness. "I want to express my sincere appreciation to those affected - we are committed to supporting each individual with care, guidance and assistance throughout this transition," he added.
BBQ - How will these job cuts impact motivation for the remaining workforce?
