January 2009 Car News - GBCarLoans.com

8th January 2009

Nissan 1,200 jobs to go.

Nissan had to send workers home early on the run up to christmas as a direct result of the economic downturn., Today the company announced it is to axe about a quarter of it's jobs at it's Sunderland plant. This announement comes to light as Nissan has seen over 20% decline across the industry.

Nissan's Sunderland plant is a major employer in the North East, it employs around 4,900 workers, this is bad news for the company as well as the area. Alot of families will suffer the consequence of unemployment as the compny lays off it's work force. At least 400 of those jobs to go are people on temporary contracts.

Derek Simpson, joint general secretary of Unite, said: "Today's announcement shows just how serious Britain's economic difficulties are.''

It was just one year ago that Nissan had boost it's work force by 800 in order to fulfill the demand for it's new Qashqai model. Nissan sales for December fell 26.68% compared with the same month in 2007. Nissan has notified the Local Works Council and the Unite union of its intention to reduce overall production headcount by around 1,200.
A spokesman said "The statutory consultation period will determine how best to adjust permanent headcount, but it is hoped that this can be managed on a voluntary basis."

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said everything would be done to help the Wearside workforce including helping any employee find alternative opportunities as quickly as possible. "We will also be working with Nissan to secure new investment for Sunderland and to make sure that the UK is best placed for the upturn and re-creation of jobs as the economy improves."

Although Nissan are making job cuts in this country in Japan plans of a new £107,000 luxury sports car have been unveiled. Japan believes that this new car will stand it's ground against it's more expensive European competitors.,

back to January's Car News