Defence giant BAE Systems is to axe 1,116 jobs and close an aircraft factory.
The firm said it aimed to shut the Woodford plant in Cheshire at the end of 2012, with the loss of 630 jobs. A further 205 positions are to go at the Samlesbury site and 170 at its Warton facility, both in Lancashire. In addition, 111 jobs will go in Farnborough.
BAE said the planned cuts followed “a detailed review of its current and future business levels”.
Kevin Taylor, BAE’s managing director of military air solutions, said the company would work with employees “to explore ways of mitigating these potential job losses”.
“Whilst we regret having to make this announcement, we have to ensure we are the right size and shape to remain competitive and meet our customers’ requirements for the future.”
The Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions, which represents BAE workers, said the news was “bitterly disappointing”.
