After weeks of speculation, Tata Steel has confirmed that 1.600 jobs in the Netherlands will be axed after announcing it would be cutting 3.000 jobs across Europe.

1.600 jobs in the Netherlands will be cut

As part of the company’s reorganisation in Europe, Tata confirmed plans to reduce spending by cutting 3.000 jobs. This led to speculation from the company’s Central Works Council that 1.500 to 1.600 jobs in the Netherlands would be scrapped, a figure that has now been confirmed by Tata.

As well as confirming the job losses in the Netherlands, Tata has also confirmed that a further 1.000 jobs will be scrapped in Britain. Another 350 jobs will be cut across the rest of the company’s European workforce. According to Tata, two-thirds of the axed jobs will be management and administrative positions.

Tata employees shocked by announcement

Tata’s European director Henrik Adam said in a press release that he understands employees’ concerns, but emphasised that the company has to make difficult decisions to ensure the stability and success of the business: “Change creates uncertainty, but we cannot afford to stand still as a company – the world around us is changing fast and we have to adapt.”

Employees of the steel company reacted in shock to the announcement. Speaking to the press, the FNV trade union threatened strikes and other labour action if Tata continues with its plan of a mass dismissal. Tata will meet in the coming weeks with the Central Works Council in the Netherlands to discuss the details concerning the downsizing.