BERLIN: Volkswagen is considering a reduction in temporary workers as part of efforts to offset the cost of the emissions scandal, the car maker’s works council said.

A spokesman for the council, a grouping of labor representatives within the company, said it would support efforts to secure temporary jobs but was aware the company’s board was discussing “different scenarios.”

Volkswagen said in a statement that the outlook for its sales and employment levels were unpredictable, having on Friday reported lower September deliveries for its core autos division and the 12-brand group as a whole.

“If employment declines temporarily, shortened working hours will be a reasonable option,” VW said, adding that the executive board was doing everything it could to secure jobs.