Ford announces 4,000 job losses as hundreds of employees in UK affected

Ford, the car manufacturing giant, has announced plans to cut approximately 800 jobs across the UK over the next three years as part of a broader European job reduction strategy.

The company stated that these UK job cuts are part of a larger plan to eliminate 4,000 roles across Europe by the end of 2027 in an effort to reduce costs.  The majority of the job losses will be in Germany and the UK, with “minimal reductions” in other European markets.

Ford highlighted that its passenger vehicle business in Europe has suffered “incurred significant losses in recent years”.  Additionally, it noted that the transition to electric vehicles  and new market competition has been “highly disruptive”.

A Ford spokesperson said said the overhaul is aimed to “create a more cost-competitive structure and ensure the long-term sustainability” of the business in Europe.   

The company said it comes amid pressure from “lower-than-expected demand” for its electric cars. It did not disclose which UK sites are set to be impacted by the proposed job cuts.  

Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice president for transformation and partnerships, said: “We are proud of our new product portfolio for Europe and committed to building a thriving business in Europe for generations to come.

“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe.”