79 BAE workers to lose their jobs

SEVENTY nine jobs are to go from the BAE Systems site at Chadderton.

The job losses are part of a exercise that will see 1,307 jobs cut from six BAE sites and two RAF bases across the UK following the coalition government’s Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR).

At Chadderton, Prestwick, Yeovil and RAF Kinloss the job losses, described as “potential” by the company until the statutory consultation periods are exhausted, are associated with the cancellation of the Nimrod MRA4 programme.

It is understood that Chadderton site, which was once home to more than 10,000 workers, will be left with a core of 150 employees supporting four aircraft, Tornado, Sentry, VC10 and, until March next year, the Nimrod R1.

There are currently 215 employees within the Military Air Solutions business at Chadderton, with the total figure — between 230 and 260 — calculated and dependant upon other jobs on the site. The 79 losses will be from this 215 figure.

The global defence, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide has made the announcement following what it calls a “detailed review of the implications of the coalition Government’s review”.

Job losses are as follows: 79 at Chadderton; 214 at Farnborough; 55 at Prestwick; 119 at Samlesbury; 668 at Warton; 15 at Yeovil; 127 at RAF Cottesmore; 30 at RAF Kinloss, Moray.

Kevin Taylor, the managing director of BAE Systems Military Air Solutions, said: “Since the publication of the SDSR in October we have taken time to understand the implications for our business.

“We have received termination for the Nimrod MRA4 and Harrier contracts and this has regrettably led us to initiating consultation regarding potential job losses.

“Military Air Solutions remains a sustainable business with a strong business plan. I appreciate this is difficult news for our people and we are committed to explore ways of mitigating the potential job losses.

Dr Brian Sloan, of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “At the moment it is hard to see where the growth in skilled manufacturing jobs in the North-West will come from.

The Government wants to see an export-led recovery but this can only come if high-tech companies such as BAE Systems are expanding."”