Over 350 workers are to lose their jobs at GM’s manufacturing plant in Luton, which makes the Vivaro van and its derivatives in partnership with Renault.

The move follows the announcement by GM that it will retain GM Europe, which makes the Opel and Vauxhall marques.

As part of the consultation process announced at GM’s European Employee Forum meeting last week, the GM Luton plant has now begun a period of consultation between unions representing its 1,500 workers and management.

A significant element of the plan is a proposal to reduce Luton’s headcount by 354 employees “to right-size the business in line with the 2010 forecast production volume”.

GM said this number is subject to further consultation.