BAE Systems has announced substantial job losses as part of a new restructuring programme.
Nearly 2,000 roles are proposed to go at a number of sites across the United Kingdom. These will mainly be lost from the defence contractor’s Military Air and Information and Maritime Services workforce.
There will be a proposed reduction of up to 1,400 roles within the Military Air business across five sites, over the next three years.
The reduction in BAE Systems aerospace manufacturing workforce is attributed to a slowdown in orders for the Eurofighter Typhoon and Hawk jet trainer.
Other job losses are attributed to the UK government’s decision to wind down the operational activities of the Tornado fighter bomber.
However, BAE Systems is hopeful that a statement of intent to order 24 Typhoons from the Qatar military will continue to progress and the company is working hard to get the contract finalised.
Charles Woodburn, chief executive, BAE Systems plc, said: “BAE Systems is a world leader in technology, advanced manufacturing and engineering and our diverse portfolio provides a strong platform for future growth. The organisational changes we are announcing today accelerate our evolution to a more streamlined, de-layered organisation, with a sharper competitive edge and a renewed focus on technology. These actions will further strengthen our company as we deliver our strategy in a changing environment.
“Separately, we are also announcing actions at some of our UK sites to align our workforce capacity more closely with near-term demand and enhance our competitive position to secure new business. Those actions are necessary and the right thing to do for our company, but unfortunately include proposed redundancies at a number of operations. I recognise this will be difficult news for some of our employees and we are committed to do everything we can to support those affected.”
Longer term the company is optimistic that its involvement with the F-35 programme will mean remaining jobs will be sustained in the future.
In its statement it added: “Our Military Air UK operations will continue to benefit from the ramp-up of F-35 Lightning II production at Samlesbury to reach steady state production rates by 2020. Responsible for manufacturing 10% of every F-35 aircraft globally at our UK operations, we expect to maintain steady state production from 2020 well into the next decade.
“The business also benefits from significant support activities across Typhoon, Hawk and the F-35, and we continue to invest in the technologies, skills and capabilities that are critical to maintain our leading position in military aircraft design, engineering, advanced manufacturing and support.”
