Unions said the job cuts signalled “worrying” times for the industry Defence company BAE Systems has revealed plans to cut 1,000 jobs at five sites in England.
It said the cuts were a result of changes in the defence programme announced in December, together with “other workload changes”.
The Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions said it meant “worrying prospects” for the industry.
The job cuts will be spread across BAE operations in Brough, Chadderton, Farnborough, Samlesbury and Warton.
The company said there could be 212 job losses at Brough, in East Yorkshire, associated with a reduction in workload, mainly on the Hawk programme and 26 job losses at Chadderton, Manchester, because of a reduction in workload in the large aircraft business.
A further 55 job losses are expected within the Harrier team at Farnborough, Hampshire, and 149 jobs are set to go at Samlesbury in Lancashire.
In Warton, Lancashire, 298 jobs are set to be cut.
A further 206 cuts are planned at BAE’s Systems Integrated System Technologies (Insyte).
Kevin Taylor, managing director of BAE’s Military Air Solutions division, said: “We have today initiated consultation regarding potential job losses across the Military Air Solutions business, affecting the Brough, Chadderton, Farnborough, Samlesbury and Warton sites.
“Potential job losses are in manufacturing, engineering and associated support functions.
“These potential job losses result from the impact of the changes in the defence programme announced in December 2009, together with other workload changes.
“It is vital that MAS remains competitive by ensuring we have the correct balance of skills, capabilities and resources as we await the outcome.
“Today’s announcement is designed to ensure we remain properly positioned in what will undoubtedly become an increasingly challenging environment.”
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