Camilla Jessen
Layoffs announced despite strong local production of popular models like Juke, Qashqai, and Leaf.
Nissan is letting go of 250 employees at its Sunderland factory, the UK’s largest car manufacturing facility.
The layoffs are part of a larger global plan to save money as the company deals with lower sales around the world.
Even though the factory makes popular models like the Nissan Juke, Qashqai, and the electric Leaf, Nissan says it needs to make the plant more efficient. The company is offering voluntary job cuts to office staff and some factory workers, but the workers who build the cars are not affected.
A Nissan spokesperson told Reuters that those directly involved in vehicle assembly are not affected by the move.
Nissan Plans to Cut More Jobs Worldwide
This isn’t the first round of job cuts.
In May, Nissan said it would cut 11,000 jobs globally and close seven of its 14 factories.
With the latest cuts in the UK, Nissan has now reduced its global workforce by about 20,000 over the past year.
The Sunderland factory has about 6,000 workers and is instrumental of Nissan’s operations.
A spokesperson said in a statement: “We are starting talks with some of our team in Sunderland about the chance to leave the company with support. This will help make the factory more efficient and the company stronger for the future.”
Sunderland Still Important for Electric Cars
Even though Nissan is cutting jobs, the company says the Sunderland plant will continue to play a big role, especially in building electric cars.
Earlier this month, Nissan showed off the next version of its Leaf electric car, which will be made in Sunderland. A company spokesperson said the factory “remains central” to Nissan’s electric vehicle plans.
This shows the company is both reducing staff and investing in future technology at the same time — something many carmakers are doing as they try to manage rising costs and prepare for the electric future.
