GM to axe 10,000 Vauxhall-Opel jobs

General Motors plans to axe about 10,000 jobs across Europe as part of its restructuring of Vauxhall and Opel

General Motors has said it plans to axe in the region of 10,000 jobs across Europe as part of its restructuring of Vauxhall and Opel.

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."