Scrappage boosts Nissan's workforce

Nissan has been recruiting staff for its Sunderland Plant following a boost in sales - thanks to the scrappage scheme. The programme has seen Nissan's sales grow significantly, the increased demand coming from both home and abroad. International scrappage incentives helped bolster manufacturing in Nissan's North Eastern plant, last month the company re-hiring 150 staff on four-month fixed term contracts to cope with the increased demand.

The introduction of the British scrappage initiative has seen a further growth in sales, Nissan taking on a further 100 workers to support a planned overall increase of 18,000 units in its June-September production plan. The recruitment for these positions will be targeted at the pool of temporary manufacturing staff that lost their jobs as a result of the Sunderland factory's recent re-sizing strategy.

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Sunderland Plant's Deputy Managing Director, commented: "The short term spike in demand being delivered by all scrappage incentives is providing a valuable shot in the arm during a difficult period." He added: "Sunderland models - particularly smaller cars like Note and Micra - are proving very popular with scrappage customers, and although the market remains highly volatile, we welcome this further opportunity to add to our workforce."

Kyle Fortune