Ethics in the digital workplace
Digitisation and automation technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), can affect working conditions in a variety of ways and their use in the workplace raises a host of new ethical concerns.
Norsk Hydro, the Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company, has announced plans to cut 730 jobs worldwide in 2026.
The company will close its five extrusion plants across Germany (Lüdenscheid), Italy (Feltre), the Netherlands (Drunen), and the United Kingdom (Cheltenham, Bedwas). In Germany, the measure will affect 220 employees. There is no more detailed information on the number of dismissals in other countries.
The restructuring aims to consolidate Hydro’s European extrusion footprint and strengthen long-term competitiveness in response to challenging market conditions. A formal consultation process with employee representatives will begin immediately, as required by national regulations. The closures are expected to generate annual savings exceeding NOK 500 million, while restructuring costs are estimated at NOK 1.9 billion.
Hydro emphasises that it will continue to maintain a strong presence in Europe, with 28 extrusion plants and five recycling facilities remaining operational, employing around 7,000 people. Globally, the company employs about 32,000 people.
Eurofound (2025), Norsk Hydro , Closure in World, factsheet number 203835, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/203835.