Latest news: BAE Systems job cuts

Up to 3,000 potential job losses are to affect BAE Systems staff after key business changes are announced. 06/10/2011

The losses came as a result of changes in key programmes. With a need to maintain competitiveness by offering affordable products and services to customers, job losses are likely to occur within the Military Air and Information (MAI) and Shared Services businesses, as well as at the company’s head office.

Cuts will sweep the country, with Brough in Yorkshire and Warton and Samlesbury in Lancashire facing 899 and 1,408 cuts respectively. Additional jobs will be lost overseas and more than 100 cuts could affect Royal Air Force bases.

‘This transformation process is not going to be easy. We understand that this is a time of uncertainty for our employees and we are committed to working with them and their representatives to explore ways of mitigating the potential job losses,’ said BAE Systems chief executive, Ian King.

The news comes as tightening defence budgets and affordability are high on the agenda for many of BAE System’s customers. Maintaining long term futures is the focus point now for the manufacturer as is extending the production schedule and keeping open production lines. Until they receive export contracts, the workload at many sites across the UK will be significantly reduced.

‘Pressure on the US defence budget and top level programme changes mean the anticipated increase in F-35 production rates will be slower than originally planned, again impacting on our expected workload. To ensure we remain competitive, both in the UK and internationally, we need to reduce the overall costs of our businesses in-line with our reduced workload,’ added Ian.