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ClimateNE & Climate Change Schools Project support the move to a low-carbon, resilient economy and help businesses avoid risk and realise commercial opportunities. Posts by Jen Atkinson, Krista McKinzey and Harriet Thew » Today's decision by Nissan to make around 1,200 of its Sunderland workforce redundant is a real blow to the North East but, sadly, it comes as little surprise.
There has been much speculation over the last month or so about what actions management at the plant might take in light of the dramatic downturn in new car sales.
They have been rightly praised for their creative actions to date, in particular allowing staff to fill down time on the factory floor by enrolling in new training schemes.
In truth, however, these measures can only go so far.
With the outlook for the economy looking decidely discouraging, the company has been forced to look seriously at its staffing requirements for the year ahead.
And that review led to today's announcement.
Make no mistake, these are particularly dark days for all those associated with the Sunderland plant.
But we have to take hope from the fact that the plant is still regarded as the most productive in Europe.
And that in itself should ensure that Nissan does have a long - and bright - future ahead on Wearside.
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