New Job Opportunities With Dyson

Engineering firm Dyson has announced it is seeking 300 new employees for its electric car project.

The company, best known for high-powered vacuums and hairdryers, has already created 400 jobs in the UK to help build its battery engine. The company, based predominantly in Wiltshire and the Cotswolds, caused some surprise when it announced the move into the electric car business. However, with earnings across its business increasing, with high demand in particular from Japan, Taiwan, and China, Dyson has seen fit to expand operations in the project. It is not yet confirmed whether these electric cars will in fact be manufactured. If and when they are, the UK will be in the running with Singapore and Japan among others to provide the location for that operation. The news comes shortly on the heels of Toyota's declaration that the next generation of its Auris model would be built in the UK. Toyota Motor Europe President Johan van Zyl  said the deal "shows our confidence in the skills and capabilities of our Toyota Manufacturing UK members". Meanwhile, the Business Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee has said leaving the EU without any form of deal would jeopardise "hundreds of thousands" of car industry jobs. The committee's report emphasised the complex supply chains involved in the sector, and warned of a hit to profitability if the UK reverted to trading with Europe on WTO rules.

London newspaper City AM has calculated that across the UK retail sector 15,000 jobs could be at risk, or have already been lost, this year. This follows yesterday's news that Toys R Us and Maplin entered administration, meaning over 5,500 jobs are in jeopardy. Other cuts already announced include those at all major supermarkets. Retailers such Card Factory, Laura Ashley, and Mothercare have all issued profit warnings, while insurers have cut or reduced their cover on stock sold to New Look and House of Fraser. Factors behind the problems in the sector include a rising cost base, rising business rates, and the fall in the value of the pound. It also appears that younger generations are less disposed to high street or industrial estate shopping, preferring online retailers.

Images: ToysRus and Maplin. Two victims of changing shopping habits.