FORD workers face more down days in the coming months as the car market slump shows no sign of ending. Like all motor plants the Dagenham factory is being hit by a 10 per cent fall in car sales in the UK and Europe last year. Some parts of stamping operat

FORD workers face more down days in the coming months as the car market slump shows no sign of ending.

Like all motor plants the Dagenham factory is being hit by a 10 per cent fall in car sales in the UK and Europe last year.

Some parts of stamping operation will be closed for 12 days in February and March, affecting around half of the 900 staff employed there.

This section has been hit by lack of demand for new parts, caused by slow vehicle sales.

In the engine plant the situation is slightly better as demand for its fuel-efficient diesel engines has held up well despite the recession.

The only non-production days during February will be two on a four litre engine line.

Last week Ford announced global year-on-year losses of �10.2 billion.

But the US giant has still not taken any cash from the American government, unlike its rivals General Motors and Chrysler.

A Ford spokesman said: "Ford continues to work with its employees, contractors and suppliers to safeguard the company's long term future and overcome the challenges faced globally by many industries.