Nissan to axe 1,200 factory staff

CARMAKER Nissan today announced it is to axe 1,200 workers. Jobs will go at its plant in Sunderland, which employs about 5,000 people.

Nissan is one of the North- East's biggest employers and its plant is Britain's largest.

The car industry has pleaded for a government bail-out and a boost in the availability of credit for consumers.

Nissan's sales last month were 26.68 per cent lower than in December 2007.

Vice president Trevor Mann said it had to "take the right action now to ensure we are in a viable position once conditions return to normal".

Derek Simpson, of the Unite union, said: "The Government must support these workers through opportunities to re-train or develop their skills."