Menu
08/01/2009
Nissan Announces 1,200 Job Cuts
Car manufacturer Nissan has announced it will be axing 1,200 jobs as the onslaught of the credit crunch continues to affect the motor industry.
The cuts will be at the company's Sunderland plant, which currently employs around 5,000 workers. It is one of the biggest and longest-established employers in the North East of England.
The plant, which opened in 1986, sent workers home early before Christmas to cope with the economic downturn.
Those who will lose their jobs include 400 staff on temporary contracts.
Figures released yesterday showed Nissan sold 66,336 new cars in the UK in 2008, only 0.14% fewer than in 2007, which was much better than the national average which saw new car sales decline by 11.3% in 2008.
However, Nissan sales for December 2008 fell 26.68% compared with the same month in 2007. This compared with a national decline of 21.2%.
Derek Simpson, Joint General Secretary of the Unite Union described the losses as "devastating news" for the workers and their families.
He added: "Today's announcement shows just how serious Britain's economic difficulties are.
"Unite will be doing everything possible to minimise compulsory redundancies and it is absolutely crucial that these workers’ skills are not lost."
Responding to the announcement, Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson, said: "I appreciate that this will be a tough time for workers. Together with ONE NorthEast, we will help 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. This is a highly skilled workforce that has many of the skills that UK and worldwide industry will need as conditions globally improve.
He added: ""We also need to look to the future and our commitment to the development of low carbon vehicles as an integral part of the UK automotive industry. As part of that aim I want to visit the plant as soon as possible to start work with Nissan on plans to bring manufacture of Nissan's new family of electric vehicles to Sunderland."
(JM/BMcC)
The cuts will be at the company's Sunderland plant, which currently employs around 5,000 workers. It is one of the biggest and longest-established employers in the North East of England.
The plant, which opened in 1986, sent workers home early before Christmas to cope with the economic downturn.
Those who will lose their jobs include 400 staff on temporary contracts.
Figures released yesterday showed Nissan sold 66,336 new cars in the UK in 2008, only 0.14% fewer than in 2007, which was much better than the national average which saw new car sales decline by 11.3% in 2008.
However, Nissan sales for December 2008 fell 26.68% compared with the same month in 2007. This compared with a national decline of 21.2%.
Derek Simpson, Joint General Secretary of the Unite Union described the losses as "devastating news" for the workers and their families.
He added: "Today's announcement shows just how serious Britain's economic difficulties are.
"Unite will be doing everything possible to minimise compulsory redundancies and it is absolutely crucial that these workers’ skills are not lost."
Responding to the announcement, Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson, said: "I appreciate that this will be a tough time for workers. Together with ONE NorthEast, we will help 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. This is a highly skilled workforce that has many of the skills that UK and worldwide industry will need as conditions globally improve.
He added: ""We also need to look to the future and our commitment to the development of low carbon vehicles as an integral part of the UK automotive industry. As part of that aim I want to visit the plant as soon as possible to start work with Nissan on plans to bring manufacture of Nissan's new family of electric vehicles to Sunderland."
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 April 2005
Nissan announces record profits
Japanese car manufacturers Nissan have announced record net income of 512.3 billion yen for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005, an increase of 1.7%. Nissan reported that its consolidated net revenues increased by 15.4% to 8.576 trillion yen. Operating profit also increased by 4,4% to a record 861.
Nissan announces record profits
Japanese car manufacturers Nissan have announced record net income of 512.3 billion yen for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005, an increase of 1.7%. Nissan reported that its consolidated net revenues increased by 15.4% to 8.576 trillion yen. Operating profit also increased by 4,4% to a record 861.
01 February 2005
Jobs secured at Nissan's Sunderland plant
Nissan Motor Manufacturing in Sunderland has fought off stiff competition, with a little help from a £5 million government grant, to secure production of a new Nissan vehicle at the site.
Jobs secured at Nissan's Sunderland plant
Nissan Motor Manufacturing in Sunderland has fought off stiff competition, with a little help from a £5 million government grant, to secure production of a new Nissan vehicle at the site.
03 September 2015
Nissan Announce £100m UK Investment
Nissan has announced an investment of £100m for the UK. The company confirmed its new generation Nissan Juke is slated for production at the Sunderland plant. The investment will secure some 34,000 jobs currently employed by Nissan and its British suppliers beyond 2020.
Nissan Announce £100m UK Investment
Nissan has announced an investment of £100m for the UK. The company confirmed its new generation Nissan Juke is slated for production at the Sunderland plant. The investment will secure some 34,000 jobs currently employed by Nissan and its British suppliers beyond 2020.
18 March 2010
UK To Build Electric 'Leaf' Car
Nissan's plans to produce its electric Leaf car in Sunderland have been welcomed by the Government. The car manufacturer has been awarded over £20m in grants from the Government to build the new plant. Nissan said the proposals represent an overall £420m investment in UK operations.
UK To Build Electric 'Leaf' Car
Nissan's plans to produce its electric Leaf car in Sunderland have been welcomed by the Government. The car manufacturer has been awarded over £20m in grants from the Government to build the new plant. Nissan said the proposals represent an overall £420m investment in UK operations.
04 January 2012
Nissan Breaks UK Car Production Record
Car manufacturer Nissan has broken the UKs car manufacturing record, producing 480,485 vehicles at its Sunderland plant last year. The output level was an increase of 14% from 2010 and a new record for a single UK car plant.
Nissan Breaks UK Car Production Record
Car manufacturer Nissan has broken the UKs car manufacturing record, producing 480,485 vehicles at its Sunderland plant last year. The output level was an increase of 14% from 2010 and a new record for a single UK car plant.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
