Nissan announces 1,200 jobs to go at Sunderland plant

Jan 9 2009 by William Green, The Journal

Group 'has strong future'

BUSINESS Secretary Lord Mandelson vowed the Government would stand by Nissan to ensure future success.

He admitted the loss of 1,200 jobs was very tough news, but insisted the company was robust and would make a major contribution to Britain’s car sector for a long time to come.

“I am in very close contact with the car manufacturers and I know what their needs are. I know what they would like the Government to do and Government will continue to talk very closely with the representatives of the industry of the sector to see how we can help.”

But he admitted car groups in Britain, Europe and America would look to far-reaching changes.

“It would be a great mistake, in my view, if the American Government was to simply hand out vast subsidies without ensuring that the industry itself brought about the restructuring and consolidation that it really needs to ensure its success in the future. And that goes not just for the industry in the United States, but also Europe.” He said more sector job cuts were unavoidable, but the Government was determined it would stay a key part of the manufacturing base.

And he promised all possible help to affected workers, adding: “We will also be standing by the company itself.

“Its investment in its design, its research, its development, its future green technologies and products will assure a very strong future.”