JCB's UK employees have received two early Christmas gifts from the company as it announced a £500 Christmas bonus and a three per cent pay increase.
Around 5,000 employees at JCB factories in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Wrexham will share in the bonus worth a total of £2.5 million. In addition, from January 1, 2013, UK employees will receive a pay increase linked to November's Retail Price Index (RPI) in line with a three and a half year pay deal. The 3% RPI figure was announced today by the Office for National Statistics.
JCB Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford said today: "JCB has performed well in 2012. We had a strong start to the year although it has become a lot tougher in recent months, but overall it's been a good year. I'm delighted we're able to award another Christmas bonus this year as a thank you for everyone's hard work and commitment during 2012."
Christopher Burton, aged 25, of Cheadle, who works at JCB's World HQ in Rocester, said: "It's fantastic to get extra pay at Christmas. It's a very generous gesture and great way for the company to thank everyone."
Production Manager Ian Davies, aged 32, of Wrexham, who works at JCB Transmissions in Wrexham, said: "While the JCB Christmas bonus is something of a tradition, it isn't something we take for granted. It's brilliant that the company rewards us at this special time of year."
Welder Tim Willmore, aged 35, of Cheadle, said: "When the news was announced this morning, there was a real buzz about the place. Sir Anthony's kind gesture means we all finish the year on a high."
JCB Chief Executive Officer Alan Blake said: "When JCB is doing well, Sir Anthony is always very keen to share its success with employees. Looking ahead, we are expecting some economic headwinds in the early part of 2013 but we're investing in future growth opportunities around the world. JCB is a resilient company and we're confident that 2013 will be a good year as well."