Defence giant BAE Systems to shed 230 jobs

Defence giant BAE Systems is set to axe about 230 jobs at at least three sites in the UK, it has been announced.

Around 100 jobs are to go at the Scotswood Road factory in Newcastle; 70 in Wolverhampton and a further 60 at other sites including Farnborough.

A spokesman said it regretted the job losses but said BAE needed to become a more "efficient business".

The firm is planning to shut its Wolverhampton plant. The Union Unite said BAE had "let workers down."

BAE is planning to transfer work to Telford, Shropshire.

The company makes vehicles for the British Army at its Tyneside site. The work comes to an end in 2013.

New orders

Jan Soderstrom, MD for BAE Systems' Vehicles business, said: "We have consistently said that we must reduce costs to remain competitive and secure a future for the business.

"We are creating a more efficient business to ensure we are the right size and have the right mix of skills to meet current and future customer needs.

"We regret the impact that this will have on our employees.

"We will work with employees and trade unions to explore ways of mitigating these proposed job losses, and do everything we can to support our people throughout this process."

The company announced late last year a total of 2,447 potential job losses throughout the UK.

National officer for Unite, Ian Waddell, said: "There is a real feeling that BAE has let the workers down and has not done enough to win new orders."