Nissan find 1,200 voluntary redundancies as workforce shrinks

May 1 2009 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

NISSAN have announced no workers will suffer compulsory redundancy as they continue to shrink their Sunderland workforce.

The car manufacturer said it has managed to find volunteers for the 1,200 redundancies needed as a result of the recession’s impact on sales.

Trevor Mann, senior vice president for manufacturing, Europe, said Nissan’s job losses were unavoidable. He added: "The joint consultation committee has worked hard to complete the right-sizing programme without the need for compulsory redundancy.

"Although regrettable we have had to take this action, I believe we have managed the situation in the best way possible by placing a priority on minimising the impact rightsizing has had on our employees and their families."

But the Nissan boss warned he could not rule out further redundancies as the recession deepens.

He said: "We will continue to closely monitor what remains a highly volatile market, and remain ready to take further action if needed to protect the company during unprecedented economic conditions, and position Nissan for strong growth once the crisis ends.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all bodies represented on the Nissan Response Group which was formed after our rightsizing announcement.

"The group has been of great assistance to affected staff and provided retraining and jobs advice to many people during a difficult period."

Mr Mann added: "All Sunderland plant employees also deserve special praise for continuing to lend their exceptional support."

The Government has leant its support to Nissan, including setting up an employment task force to help staff find new work and watch out for knock-on job losses in the supply chain.

Business Secretary Peter Mandelson has promised to help Nissan as it looks to the future.

Nissan is currently looking at electric vehicle production as a way of building the business when the economy eventually picks up.

In a recent visit to the Sunderland factory he said: "When you guys came here 25 years ago you were instrumental in turning around this region, and you know what? You are going to do it again.

"Your work is ahead of you, not behind you – because you are not just a powerful symbol, you are an engine of change and new market opportunities."

Since then both Nissan and development agency One North East have pushed ahead with a memorandum of understanding which will see the group investigate the potential for rolling out electric cars and charging points in cities across the region.