Crewe MP Connor Naismith has said he was “deeply disappointed” to learn that Bentley Motors was shedding 275 employees and agency staff.
The luxury car maker, based in Crewe, announced the cuts after it saw its operating profits fall to £187 million in 2025, a 42% drop when compared to 2024.
Bentley said it was part of “overall efficiency activities”, that would affect management, agency and non-manufacturing employees. It said investment would continue at its Pyms Lane site.
Mr Naismith said: “As it is one of the largest employers in the constituency, I have maintained a strong relationship with Bentley, as well as Unite the Union.
“I understand the company has been negatively impacted by external factors, such as the continuation of tariffs on luxury vehicles in the US and lower demand in China. It is concerning that these factors abroad have led to such significant losses for domestic workers, many of whom live in the constituency.”
He said he had met the Unite convenor at Bentley, alongside workers at risk of redundancy to hear about their experiences and concerns.
He said: “I am committed to getting the best outcome for workers, even in these difficult circumstances, and ensuring that every constituent at Bentley has the necessary support to deal with any changes to their employment status.”
Karen Lewis, regional officer at the GMB union, told BBC Radio Stoke: “People are obviously upset and angry because they see the bonuses that have been paid to managers over the years.”
She said the industry had “taken a beating” since the pandemic and had been affected by US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
“But the rich are still buying cars,” she added.
“It’s our members, the workforce, who are still working day-in, day-out to create these luxury cars. This has come as a big shock.”
(Photo: Alexander Migl / Wikimedia).
