Union leaders today express “bitter disappointment” after hearing that defence giant BAE Systems planned to cut over 500 jobs in its Land Systems division.
National officer Bernie Hamilton said: “We have serious concerns about BAE Systems’ and the MoD’s strategy for the building of vehicles for the Army. These job cuts will affect Britain’s capability to build and maintain military equipment.
“The Government’s recently published strategy to use the MoD’s Defence Support Group organisation will compound the problems for future vehicle technology in the UK.”
BAE Systems said it announced job cuts in the division earlier this year but was adjusting the figure today so a further 90 posts would go.
A statement said: “In April the company announced a plan to reduce its workforce in the UK by 500, along with the closure of the Guildford, Leeds, and Telford sites.
“Since that announcement, we have reviewed further our business in the light of the UK MoD’s publication of its armoured fighting vehicle sector strategy, and the need to reduce costs further.”
Global Combat Systems Vehicles managing director Jan Soderstrom said: “These job losses, while regrettable, are absolutely necessary and reflect the reality of the market we are operating in today. The size and structure of the business does not match our predicted order intake.
“If we are to have a future, we must have a low cost base so that we can provide and support battle-winning products to our customers at competitive prices.
“We will work with affected employees to provide training and help find new roles inside and outside the company.”
