Cuts will be spread across European operations, but the Netherlands and UK take the brunt

1050 jobs, including 160 in the UK and 520 in the Netherlands, will be cut as Saudi speciality chemicals firm Sabic reorganises its European operations.

The firm has already begun consulting with affected employees and hopes this will be completed by the summer. Implementing the plans should then begin in early 2014, aiming for completion by the end of 2014.

Sabic spokesperson Danielle Willems confirmed that two thirds of the roles affected will be employees, and the remainder being contractors. The cuts will affect Sabic sites all across Europe, including 400 jobs in the Limburg area of the Netherlands and 120 in Bergen op Zoom; 110 permanent staff and 50 contractors from Teesside, UK; 65 in Spain; 50–60 in Germany; and a further 50–60 roles that work across Europe.

The reorganisation project will also involve closing down selected operations and moving production to other sites, as well as continuing to invest in plant improvements and new technology.