FORD is to create 360 new jobs in the UK by making it the centre for Ford's Commercial Vehicle Engineering operations. The operation is being transferred from the United States to the UK in a move which will offset job losses caused by the end of vehicle production at Dagenham.

The move, described as a key part of the European overhaul of operations, will give the UK responsibility for roles including light and medium commercial vehicle projects for the whole of Europe. It coincides with the investment of nearly £10 million in a new Ford Design Centre in central London.