Individuals working in the automotive sector in Belgium will benefit from a new aid package announced by the European Union (EU).

Former employees of General Motors, its downstream producers and its suppliers in the country will benefit from a grant worth almost €9.6 million from the EU Globalisation Fund (EGF).

A total of 2,834 individuals will be assisted by the money in finding employment after an application to the EGF was submitted by the Belgian authorities to the European Commission.

Laszlo Andor, EU commissioner for employment, social affairs and inclusion, said: "I am confident that the planned training and job search measures funded by the EU Globalisation Fund will make the workers' transition to a new job easier and faster."

In March, the EGF announced 7,439 workers made redundant in Germany, Slovenia, Poland, Spain and the Netherlands had been granted a share of almost €19.3 million following a series of job losses in sectors including retail, manufacturing and vehicle production.

Posted by Alex Donnell