Member Article

Discount car for dismissed workers

Staff at troubled car giant Nissan are to be offered money off a new car as part of their redundancy package.

Negotiations are underway following last month’s announcement that 1,200 jobs are to be axed at the plant in Washington. At a meeting with workers, the company appealed for 800 voluntary redundancies.

Staff say they have been offered an extra £3,000 to go voluntarily, on top of their statutory redundancy money based on length of service and current pay. It is also also understood they would be given £2,000 off the price of a new car if they leave willingly.

One employee said: “The car deal amazed me. The last thing you’d be thinking about if you were being made redundant is buying a new car. The problem with putting yourself out of work is you wouldn’t be entitled to Job Seeker’s Allowance or the scheme where the Government pays your mortgage.

“It only suits people who have another job to walk into, or are reaching retirement age. It’s difficult if you’ve got a family.”

Nissan refused to comment on the package details.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .