CAR-MAKER Toyota has confirmed it is pressing ahead with plans to axe around 750 jobs at its two UK factories.

It is thought around 600 posts will go at the Japanese firm's plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire, which employs about 3,500 people – including 400 from the ST14 postcode, which covers Uttoxeter.

The remainder will go at Toyota's factory in Deeside in North Wales.

Toyota announced in January the Burnaston plant would have a "head-count surplus" when it drops to a single production line in August.

And bosses have now said a voluntary redundancy programme will get under way in the second half of the year. They stressed that none of the job cuts will be compulsory.

But the news came as Toyota announced workers at both factories will return to full-time working on April 1.

Workers are to be hit with a pay freeze for 2010 but Toyota said all employees will receive an extra five days' holiday.

Deputy managing director Tony Walker said: "We believe this decision will be welcomed by our employees, who have shown flexibility and commitment to the company."