UK defence giant to cut 1000 jobs

UK defence and aerospace giant BAE Systems has announced it is to cut 1,000 jobs in the UK.

BAE expects to lose 500 jobs this year from its air systems business at Warton and Samlesbury in Lancashire, with an additional 500 to be cut next year.

The total includes at least 250 on-site subcontractors, who will leave the business by the end of this year.

"We know it will be a tough time for all those affected; however, it is the only way to ensure a viable future for this business," said group managing director of air systems Nigel Whitehead.

The announcement will not be a great surprise to employees since the company has been briefing them for the past six months to expect some major job losses.

BAE announced last week 720 jobs losses in its shipbuilding division in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria and a further 40 at other locations in the south of England.