BAE Systems have today announced that as a result of the cancellation of the Nimrod MRA4 programme; will potentially close the Woodford Site in Cheshire earlier than had been previously announced, this could happen as early as March next 2011 instead of the planned closure in 2012.

Other potential job losses are announced as follows:

79 at Chadderton, Greater Manchester
214 at Farnborough, Hampshire
55 at Prestwick in Ayrshire
119 at Samlesbury, Lancashire
668 at Warton, Lancashire
15 at Yeovil, Somerset
127 at RAF Cottesmore, Rutland
30 at RAF Kinloss, Moray

These job losses are a result of the cancellation of Nimrod MRA4 programme and the early withdrawal from service of the Harrier fleet for RAF Cottesmore and Kinloss.

Kevin Taylor, Managing Director of BAE Systems Military Air Solutions commented: “Since the publication of the SDSR in October we have taken time to understand the implications for our business. We have recently received termination for customer convenience notices for the Nimrod MRA4 and Harrier contracts and this has regrettably led us to initiating consultation regarding potential job losses.  

“Today’s announcement is designed to ensure we remain competitive as we actively pursue a number of opportunities for our other products and services both in the UK and internationally.  Military Air Solutions remains a sustainable business with a strong business plan.  I appreciate this is difficult news for our people and we are committed to working with employees and their representatives to explore ways of mitigating the potential job losses.”