Ford is set to announce hundreds of job cuts as part of a major restructuring programme, it has emerged.
The car maker is expected to make as many as 550 reductions at its Essex plant, which covers matters such as vehicle development.
The announcement is not expected to impact its UK manufacturing employees who work at factories in Dagenham, Bridgend or Halewood, of whom there are around 5,000, according to City AM.
A source told the publication the total number would be "around 500 to 550", and it would be among the company's "white collar, salaried employees" including those in management positions.
A Ford spokesperson said: "We have confirmed a voluntary separation programme for salaried employees in the UK but we have not confirmed numbers at this time."
However while the latest round of cuts will affect just one base, thousands of roles could also be at risk at its plant in South Wales.
The company has previously warned of plans to cut as many as 1,000 jobs at its Bridgend base over the next two years.
In February, the car giant said 400 roles are at risk in the first phase of a voluntary redundancy programme that could see many, and potentially thousands, of roles axed across its struggling European operations.
In a statement, a Ford spokesman confirmed the move, saying: "Ford is introducing a voluntary separation programme for hourly and salaried employees at its Bridgend Engine Plant in South Wales as part of its ongoing actions to create a sustainably profitable business in Europe.
The move is not believed to be related to Britain leaving the European Union.
Japanese car giant Honda has also confirmed plans to axe its only EU factory in February.
The company said it will shut its Swindon factory in 2021 - which dates back to 1985 and marks its only facility within the EU.
The move will place 3,500 jobs at risk, however its closure is likely to impact more than 12,500 jobs in the plant’s supply chain, plus other businesses that are reliant on the factory’s workforce.
In a press conference, Honda said: "This proposal comes as Honda accelerates its commitment to electrified cars, in response to the unprecedented changes in the global automotive industry.
