Car giant Toyota warns of major job losses

Jan 29 2010 by Iain Laing, The Journal

CAR giant Toyota has warned unions it had a “headcount surplus” of 750 at its main UK factory, raising fears of major job losses.

The Japanese company said 2009 had been a tough year and it had already announced operational cutbacks at its plant at Burnaston near Derby later this year.

The company said in a brief statement that it had discussed with unions how to manage the surplus to make sure it had a sustainable business for the long term.

Meanwhile, Ford has posted an annual profit for the first time in four years.

The company made £1.7bn in 2009, compared with a loss of almost £9bn in 2008, and said it expects to be profitable this year as well.