Luxury car maker Aston Martin is planning to axe 600 full-time and temporary jobs because of the the downturn in the world economy, the firm has announced.
The jobs will hit the company's factory at Gaydon in Warwickshire and follows a fall in sales.
Unite said it was "devastating news" for the workers, especially so close to Christmas.
Aston Martin said it had started consulting with trade unions on a range of cutbacks to reflect the downturn in the world economy and the corresponding fall in car sales.
A statement said: "It is hoped to do this by minimising the impact on employees as far as possible, but the possibility of up to 300 permanent and a similar number of temporary job losses cannot be ruled out."
Chief executive Dr Ulrich Bez said: "Like other premium car brands, Aston Martin has been forced to take action to respond to the unprecedented downturn in the global economy. These are regrettable but necessary measures in the extraordinary market conditions we all now face.
"Overall, we remain confident that the Aston Martin brand is the strongest it has ever been - with dedicated design, engineering and manufacturing facilities and an award-winning product range, we remain well positioned for the upturn in the economy."
Unite's national officer Dave Osborne said: "In the current climate, this is not surprising but we are extremely disappointed that Aston Martin have announced 600 job cuts.
"This is devastating news for our members who have made major contributions to the Aston Martin brand. They now face a bleak Christmas."
Aston Martin sold 110 cars in the UK in October compared with 164 in the same month last year. Sales last year were 7,300 but are expected to be 6,500 this year.
