GM to axe 10,000 Vauxhall-Opel jobs

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The announcement came after the car giant's dramatic decision to scrap plans to sell Vauxhall, a move welcomed by union leaders.

No information was given on where the job cuts would be made, but the decision will impact on 5,500 workers employed by Vauxhall in the UK, mainly at Ellesmere Port and Luton.

John Smith, GM Group Vice President, said: "Our plans envisaged a headcount reduction of roughly 10,000 people."

But no further details were given as to how this would relate to individual countries or plants.

Tony Woodley, joint general secretary of Unite said: "I have no doubt that whoever the owner would be there will be major restructuring of GM operations.

"Inevitably some will go in the UK, but our task is to minimise the number of jobs lost and ensure that those who do go, go voluntarily.

"It is right that GM should hold onto its UK plants because this country is one of its strongest and most loyal customers.

"What is absolutely certain is that GM will need repayable loans - not state handouts - from four or five EU nations.

"If our government can hand over billions to help the banks this week then it is surely right they make assistance available now to our car industry which is a real investment in manufacturing jobs and our childrens' futures."