PRESS DIGEST- New York Times business news - February 12

Feb 12 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the New York Times business pages. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

- Ford F.N CEO Jim Farley said on Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff and auto policies would raise cost and could force the automaker to lay off employees.

- U.S President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday directing agency officials to draw up plans for “large scale” cuts to the federal work force.

- European Union officials said on Tuesday that it will retaliate with firm and proportionate countermeasures after U.S. President Trump announced a 25% raise in tariffs on aluminum and steel.

- California State regulators said on Tuesday that it will collect $1 billion from private insurance companies doing business in California to pay for claims from the Los Angeles wildfires.