Ford are to axe around 1,300 jobs across their European business as they are looking to build a smaller range of electric vehicles.
Over the next three years Ford are to scrap around 3,800 jobs across Europe and the majority of jobs losses will be at Ford’s technical centre in Dunton, Essex where they employ 3,400 workers.
Ford said the job losses will create a “leaner, more competitive cost structure” and most of the job losses will take place in Germany which will see 2,300 jobs lost and in Britain there will be 1,300 and 200 across the rest of Europe.
Martin Sander, general manager of Ford Model e in Europe, said, “These are difficult decisions, not taken lightly.
“We recognise the uncertainty it creates for our team, and I assure them we will be offering them our full support in the months ahead.
“We will engage in consultations with our social partners so we can move forward together on building a thriving future for our business in Europe.”
Sander added, “We are completely reinventing the Ford brand in Europe – unapologetically American, outstanding design and connected services that will differentiate Ford and delight our customers in Europe.
“We are ready to compete and win in Europe.”
The Unite union’s national officer for automotive, Des Quinn, said, “Ford’s announcement is another stark reminder that the shift to electrification needs a just transition that requires long-term investment and planning from automakers and a proper industrial strategy from government.
“That includes making sure electric vehicle batteries are built in the UK, along with a UK-based supply chain in electronic power drive systems and ensuring the domestic development and manufacture of autonomous driving systems.”
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