Britain’s biggest defence contractor BAE Systems is slashing almost 2,000 jobs, the firm revealed on Tuesday, Oct. 10.
Up to 1,400 jobs will be lost in the Military Air business over the next three years, 375 roles will be lost in Maritime Services, and 150 in the cyber-intelligence business.
750 roles will go in Warton and Samlesbury. Workers in Brough, east Yorkshire will lose 400 jobs, and a total of 180 posts will close in London, Guilford, and other locations.
The decision comes as the company slows down the production of its Typhoon Aircraft.
The company is expecting an order from the Qatar government, but it is not yet finalised.
In a statement, BAE said, “Negotiations are progressing to agree a contract with the government of Qatar, which, if secured, would sustain Typhoon production jobs and manufacturing well into the next decade.”
Union Unite, which has around 1.42 million members across many types of workplaces, said they will fight what they call a “devastatingly short sighted” decision.
Speaking in Parliament, Business Minister Claire Perry insisted that the decision is “normal business practice.”
Its main customer is the Ministry of Defence, who have been criticised by unions for spending more money buying weapons and aircraft from the United States, instead of the United Kingdom.
“Our MoD spent £3.7bn with BAE last year, and we also continually bang the drum for our world-leading defence industry right across the globe, supporting companies like BAE in securing contracts for UK-made equipment.”
