General Motors confirmed plans today to cut 9,000 positions at European plants. The cuts represent about a 20% reduction in force for Europe. 50-60% of the cuts are likely to be in Germany, where about half of GM's European workforce is based. The future of a plant in Antwerp, Belgium was called 'uncertain,' and a working group has been formed to review the future of the plant. No mention was made of several British plants, whose future is assumed to also be uncertain. Up to 5,000 workers in three British plants in Luton, Bedfordshire, and Ellesmere Port could be in danger of losing their jobs. Four Opel plants will remain open for the moment, but GM has said that they are looking for an offer of 3 million euros for the Opel locations.
See "GM to axe 9000 jobs, and leaves UK hanging", Alexandra Frean, The Times Online, November 24, 2009