FFormer employees of Germany's automotive business may be provided with assistance in finding new jobs.

A total of 4.3 billion could be awarded through the European Union (EU) Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to provide help to 778 individuals, with the proposal being placed before the European Parliament and the European Council.

According to the European Commission, it has approved an application from the country's government to support the redundant members of staff to find employment, having lost their jobs as a result of declining demand caused by the economic downturn.

EU commissioner for employment, social affairs and inclusion Laszlo Andor explained the former automotive employees would be helped to "adapt their skills to the requirements of 'green' innovation in the car and other industries thus making their transition to a new job easier".

The EGF was established to assist those workers in the EU made redundant as a result of the effects of globalization and changes to international trade patterns in finding new jobs.

Posted by Alex Donnell