Just like we heard from other automakers who announced similar moves, Nissan blames the economic crisis and explains that such a job cut was absolutely required in the context of poor sales in the region. Nissan sold 66,336 new cars in the United Kingdom last year, with December unveiling a drop of 26.68 percent when compared to the same period of the preivous year.
“Like all manufacturers, the Sunderland plant is currently operating in extraordinary circumstances not of our making,"However by doing so, we are helping to safeguard our long-term future which I believe is extremely positive.It is essential we take the right action now to ensure we are in a strong and viable position once business conditions return to normal. Unavoidably, this means we have had to make some very tough decisions in recent weeks,” Trevor Mann, Nissan's senior vice president for manufacturing, Europe., was quoted as saying by wheels24.co.za.
"However by doing so, we are helping to safeguard our long-term future which I believe is extremely positive. The long-term future of the plant must remain our over-riding priority,” he added, pointing that several other cost-cutting measures may be announced in the near future.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson told BBC News that each of the fired employees will be helped to find “alternative opportunities as quickly as possible” and agreed to discuss with Nissan and possible investment the Japanese carmaker could do in the region.
"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,” Mandelson said.
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