Call for action as axe falls on county aerospace jobs

The government has been urged to do more to protect the UK’s aerospace manufacturing skills after the news that up to 1,400 jobs are to go at British Aerospace's planemaking operations – mainly in Lancashire.

The defence giant announced the cuts today. And there are fears of a knock-on effect in supply chain operations across the county.

BAE Systems employs 34,000 workers across the UK, including its two Lancashire plants at Warton and Samlesbury.

BAE Systems in Lancashire is still heavily involved in the production of the US-led F-35 fifth-generation aircraft programme.

Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle, who has many constituents who work for BAE Systems, said he wanted to see a cross-party task force set up to look at the situation.

He said:  “We need real leadership from the top – that means BAE Systems chief executive Charles Woodburn and the Prime Minister talking today and taking action.

“Lancashire builds the best fighter jets in the world because we have the best work force in the world."

Preston MP Mark Hendrick said he wanted to see more support for the aerospace sector from the government.

He added: “BAE Systems has not long opened its fantastic £15.6m training centre at Samlesbury. I am concerned to see the long-term future of our young people secured and the training centre reach its full potential.”

And Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans added: “This decision is of massive detriment not only to my own constituency, but to Lancashire as a whole.

“I urge BAE Systems to put emphasis on voluntary redundancy and offer transitional assistance to ensure redundant staff find new employment.”

He vowed to press the government to redouble its efforts to encourage increased sales exports of UK defence technology and ensure the Ministry of Defence procures its equipment in the UK.

Mr Evans said: “I am already working with Lindsay Hoyle on this issue, and we are currently in the process of contacting all the affected North West MPs to get them on board when representations are made to the Secretary of State for Defence.”

He added: “The presence of BAE in the North West is sizable, providing literally thousands of skilled jobs to the region, I want to ensure that BAE has a strong presence in Lancashire for years to come.

“Not only is the company vital for the livelihoods of a small army of workers, it is crucial for a significant number of small-to-medium sized businesses that rely on BAE across the country.”

Richard Halstead, Director of Member Engagement for EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation in the North West said: “It is a significant blow for the North West economy and the strategic supply chain across the region. "The aerospace and defence sector is critical to manufacturing not just in the North West but across the UK.”