Two
thousand jobs will be created through a to BAE Systems deal to build two new
aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy.
The
UK defence giant has won the lead role in the £2.9bn contract, but the work is
to be shared with rival bidder Thales, a French company which will provide the
main design.
Most
of the work will be carried out in the UK.
The
contract is expected to create about 2,000 jobs and secure a further 10,000 at
UK shipyards.
Unions
have welcomed the deal, saying it is great news for Scottish shipbuilding.
"This
is the biggest decision that the MoD have taken in decades and is a much needed
shot in the arm for Scottish shipbuilding and the wider manufacturing
sector," said John Quigley, Scottish regional secretary for the Amicus
union."
Bill
Morris, general secretary of the Transport & General Workers Union, said:
"This is good news for British industry and a vote of confidence by the
Government in British manufacturing.
"I
believe our quality British workforce will deliver a quality British product.
"The
challenge is now for BAE Systems to deliver on time and on budget."
