Just a week after Gurit revealed they were axing around 70 staff from their Newport plant, BAE Systems has announced that 340 maritime jobs will go in Portsmouth and the Solent area.
The announcement claims job losses were a result of “organisational changes to boost competitiveness, accelerate technology innovation and improve operational excellence from a more streamlined business”.
2,000 jobs across all sectors
In total 2,000 jobs are being axed across the company in military, maritime and intelligence services.
A spokesperson for BAE Systems told OnTheWight,
“There are potential job losses at Cowes, which would be voluntary, but only if it does not jeopardise the critical skills at the site.”
They went on to explain that Cowes is the only site within the maritime sector that produces radar.
CEO: “The right thing to do for our company”
Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive, BAE Systems plc, said:
“The organisational changes we are announcing today accelerate our evolution to a more streamlined, de-layered organisation, with a sharper competitive edge and a renewed focus on technology. These actions will further strengthen our company as we deliver our strategy in a changing environment.
“Separately, we are also announcing actions at some of our UK sites to align our workforce capacity more closely with near-term demand and enhance our competitive position to secure new business. Those actions are necessary and the right thing to do for our company, but unfortunately include proposed redundancies at a number of operations. I recognise this will be difficult news for some of our employees and we are committed to do everything we can to support those affected.”
18 jobs at risk
Isle of Wight Conservative MP, Bob Seely announced that he has received assurances that the Government will support Island workers who face redundancy at BAE Systems’ Cowes factory.
Bob asked DWP Minister, Claire Perry, to ensure the Isle of Wight workers were not forgotten, he said,,
“What support will DWP provide to those affected? Will the Government assure me that any support package includes Isle of Wight workers affected at the BAE Cowes plant in my constituency? And can I also highlight the importance of the advanced radar programme on the Isle of Wight, both for the UK defence industry and for Island jobs.”
The minister said the DWP’s rapid response team will visit BAE sites to talk to those affected and to make sure they were aware of their rights and opportunities.
Bob said he’d been told up to 18 jobs were at risk at the 242-employee facility. He said,
“This is very unfortunate news for Island BAE staff as Christmas approaches. My hope is the majority, if not all, of these losses can be accommodated through voluntary redundancy.”
IOWTUC: Government needs to get act together
Spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Trades Union Council (IOWTUC), Steve Butler, told OnTheWight,
“The IOWTUC with jobs being lost at BAE and Gurit, are demanding that the Government get their act together on jobs being lost to the Island and the UK, and get behind Industry and Production in this country and start to compete.”
Our thoughts are with all those affected by the proposed redundancies at BAE Systems on the Isle of Wight.
Read the BAE announcement in full.
Article edit
12.50pm: Comment from BAE added
4.35pm: Comments by Bob Seely added
11.18am / 11th October: Comments by Steve Butler added
Source: BBC
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