Nissan has announced job cuts at its Sunderland site.

Nissan has announced it is to cut up to 1,200 jobs from its manufacturing site in Sunderland – the UK’s largest car exporter and producer – in an effort to “protect the long-term viability” of its operations.

The company proposes to cut one of its production shifts at the plant. Of the 1,200 jobs that will be lost, 400 represent temporary staff whose contracts will not be renewed past the end of this month (January).

This year, the Sunderland plant will be responsible for the production of Nissan’s sixth new model since 2003 – a compact vehicle.

Trevor Mann, Nissan’s Senior Vice President for Manufacturing, Europe, explained the situation: “We will begin preparations to launch another new model in 2010, which will be our sixth in seven years. This level of new model introduction is unparalleled in plants across Europe and demonstrates the confidence Nissan’s top management has in the Sunderland workforce.

“The long term future of the plant must remain our over-riding priority. However, as always, Nissan will continue to make every effort to minimise the impact on its employees and their families.”

Unite, the UK’s largest manufacturers’ union, has expressed its concern for the car manufacturing industry and is calling on the UK government to help workers. Derek Simpson, Unite’s joint general secretary, said: “This is devastating news for the workers and their families. 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. The economy will improve and when it does Nissan will need these workers again. The Government must support these workers through opportunities to re-train or to develop their skills.”

The union is asking the government for a £13 billion “strategic support package” for the manufacturing industry, which has just experienced its worst year since 1996 according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) which has reported a significant fall in sales. Click here to read ICM’s news article regarding the industry’s downturn.