Introduction

Today, we will explore the reasons behind high unemployment in Sunderland during the 1980s, what the UK government did to help, and the role of Nissan in this area. Understanding these topics will help you see how geography and economics are connected.

Why were there high levels of unemployment in the Sunderland area in the 1980s?

In the 1980s, Sunderland faced high unemployment because many traditional industries, like shipbuilding and coal mining, were closing down. This left a lot of people without jobs, especially since these industries were very important to the local economy. The loss of these jobs created a cycle of decreased spending, further hurting the community.

What did the UK government do to create new jobs?

To combat unemployment, the UK government introduced policies to attract new businesses to areas like Sunderland. They offered financial incentives, such as grants and tax breaks, to companies willing to set up factories. The government also invested in infrastructure, like roads and transport links, to make it easier for businesses to operate.

Who are Nissan?

Nissan is a large car manufacturer from Japan that produces vehicles for markets around the world. In the 1980s, Nissan decided to build a factory in Sunderland, which created thousands of jobs. This decision was significant for the local economy and helped reduce unemployment in the region.

Location Factors for Nissan in Sunderland

When Nissan chose Sunderland for its factory, several location factors attracted them. These included access to transport networks, the availability of skilled workers, and government support. The site also had enough space for expansion and was near suppliers and customers.

Map and Photo Analysis

When studying Map B and Photo C, we need to pay attention to details and grid references.

a) Give the six-figure grid references for:

i) the car works

ii) Docks

iii) the car test track

b) Compare the aerial photo, C, with OS map, B.

i) In which direction was the camera pointing to take the photo?

ii) Name features 1-4 on the photo.

c) Draw a sketch map of OS Map B.

i) Label the location of: the car works, the docks, A class roads, Sunderland.

ii) Annotate on your sketch the locational advantages of the factory, using A as a reference.

Global Connections

When we look at Diagram D, we can see that Sunderland is connected to many countries.

a) On an outline map of the world, locate Sunderland and all the countries that the car plant is connected to. Draw arrows to join them all to Sunderland.

b) Explain how the car plant is connected to all these locations.

Success of Nissan in Sunderland

Finally, let’s evaluate how successful Nissan has been from three viewpoints: Nissan, the UK government, and the local workforce.

Questions

Easy Level (20 Questions)

  1. Why did Sunderland have high unemployment in the 1980s?
  2. What industries closed down in Sunderland during the 1980s?
  3. What did the UK government do to help create jobs?
  4. Who is Nissan?
  5. Why did Nissan choose Sunderland for its factory?
  6. What kind of cars does Nissan make?
  7. What is a grid reference?
  8. What is the main purpose of a car factory?
  9. Why is it important for a factory to have good transport links?
  10. What do you think people in Sunderland felt when Nissan opened?
  11. What are incentives in business?
  12. How did the loss of jobs affect the local community?
  13. What year did Nissan open its factory in Sunderland?
  14. What type of jobs did Nissan create?
  15. What are class roads?
  16. Why is government support important for new businesses?
  17. Name one benefit of having a factory in Sunderland.
  18. How does a factory help the economy?
  19. What is infrastructure?
  20. Can you name a car produced by Nissan?

Medium Level (20 Questions)

  1. How did the closure of shipbuilding and coal mining affect Sunderland?
  2. What specific incentives did the UK government offer to Nissan?
  3. What role does skill level play in attracting businesses like Nissan?
  4. Describe how infrastructure can impact a factory’s success.
  5. What are the main products made in Nissan’s Sunderland factory?
  6. How many jobs did Nissan create in Sunderland?
  7. Why was the decision to build in Sunderland significant for Nissan?
  8. What challenges did Sunderland face before Nissan arrived?
  9. How does Nissan’s presence influence local businesses?
  10. How can job creation improve a community?
  11. Why is access to suppliers important for a car factory?
  12. What is the importance of being near customers for a business?
  13. How did Nissan help reduce unemployment in Sunderland?
  14. What can other regions learn from Sunderland’s experience with Nissan?
  15. How do you think the local workforce felt about Nissan?
  16. What geographical features might influence Nissan’s location?
  17. Why is a global connection important for car plants?
  18. What is an OS map?
  19. How can companies measure the success of their operations?
  20. What could happen if Nissan decided to close its factory in Sunderland?

Hard Level (20 Questions)

  1. Analyze the social impact of high unemployment in Sunderland during the 1980s.
  2. Discuss the long-term effects of Nissan’s investment on Sunderland.
  3. Evaluate the effectiveness of government policies in attracting Nissan.
  4. Compare Nissan’s factory in Sunderland to another car factory in the UK.
  5. How did Nissan’s presence change the perception of Sunderland?
  6. Critically assess the role of skilled labour in attracting foreign investment.
  7. How does the automotive industry contribute to the UK economy?
  8. What geographical advantages does Sunderland offer for a car plant?
  9. Discuss the importance of global supply chains in modern manufacturing.
  10. How can Nissan’s success be measured beyond job creation?
  11. What strategies could Sunderland use to attract more businesses?
  12. How does the closure of traditional industries affect local culture?
  13. Analyze the relationship between government incentives and business growth.
  14. What are the risks involved for Nissan in operating in Sunderland?
  15. How do foreign companies influence local economies?
  16. Discuss the environmental considerations of building a car factory.
  17. What are the implications of manufacturing jobs on local communities?
  18. How can a factory’s success impact housing and local services?
  19. What lessons can be learned from Nissan’s experience in Sunderland for future investments?
  20. Assess the potential future of the automotive industry in Sunderland.

Answers

Easy Level Answers

  1. High unemployment was due to closing industries like shipbuilding.
  2. Industries such as shipbuilding and coal mining closed down.
  3. The government offered financial incentives to attract businesses.
  4. Nissan is a large Japanese car manufacturer.
  5. Nissan chose Sunderland for its skilled workers and transport links.
  6. Nissan makes various vehicles, including cars and trucks.
  7. A grid reference helps locate a place on a map.
  8. The main purpose of a car factory is to assemble vehicles.
  9. Good transport links allow easy shipping of materials and products.
  10. People likely felt hopeful when Nissan opened.
  11. Incentives are benefits offered to encourage business investment.
  12. The loss of jobs led to less spending and struggling communities.
  13. Nissan opened its factory in Sunderland in 1986.
  14. Nissan created jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and logistics.
  15. Class roads are important roads used for transport.
  16. Government support helps businesses thrive by providing resources.
  17. A factory can provide many local jobs and boost the economy.
  18. Factories create jobs, leading to more spending in the community.
  19. Infrastructure includes transportation systems and utilities.
  20. One car produced by Nissan is the Nissan Qashqai.

Medium Level Answers

  1. The closure led to many people losing jobs and increased poverty.
  2. The government offered grants and tax breaks to Nissan.
  3. Skilled workers are essential for high-quality production.
  4. Good infrastructure allows for efficient operations and delivery.
  5. Nissan primarily produces cars like the Leaf and Qashqai.
  6. Nissan created over 5,000 jobs in Sunderland.
  7. The decision was significant as it revitalized the local economy.
  8. Sunderland faced economic decline and high unemployment.
  9. Local businesses benefited from increased demand due to Nissan.
  10. Job creation can lead to improved living standards and community health.
  11. Suppliers provide necessary materials for production.
  12. Being near customers reduces transportation costs and time.
  13. Nissan’s arrival provided thousands of jobs for local residents.
  14. Other regions can learn the importance of infrastructure and support.
  15. The local workforce likely felt excited about new job opportunities.
  16. Features like proximity to ports and roads are geographic advantages.
  17. Global connections help in sourcing parts and selling cars.
  18. An OS map shows detailed land use and features for navigation.
  19. Companies can measure success through profits, production rates, and job creation.
  20. If Nissan closed, it would lead to high unemployment and economic decline.

Hard Level Answers

  1. High unemployment led to social issues like crime and health problems.
  2. Nissan’s investment provided long-term job security and economic growth.
  3. Government policies were effective in attracting Nissan but need ongoing support.
  4. Nissan’s Sunderland factory is larger compared to smaller UK factories.
  5. Nissan’s presence improved Sunderland’s image as an industrial city.
  6. Skilled labour is crucial for maintaining high production standards.
  7. The automotive industry significantly contributes to the UK’s GDP.
  8. Sunderland offers good transportation links and a strategic location.
  9. Global supply chains allow manufacturers to access materials and markets.
  10. Success can also be measured by employee satisfaction and environmental impact.
  11. Sunderland could advertise its workforce and support services to attract more businesses.
  12. Traditional industry closures can lead to cultural shifts and loss of heritage.
  13. Government incentives can spark initial growth but must be sustained.
  14. Risks include economic downturns and changing market demands.
  15. Foreign companies can create jobs but may also impact local businesses.
  16. Environmental considerations include emissions and waste management.
  17. Manufacturing jobs can lead to community development or decline.
  18. A factory’s success can increase housing demand and local service needs.
  19. Lessons include the importance of community engagement and planning.
  20. The future of the automotive industry may involve electric vehicles and sustainability efforts.