New worry for BAE workers

FORMER BAE Systems workers from Chadderton fear for their jobs after the defence giant announced plans to axe 1,100 posts and close one of its sites.

Many people from the Greengate site went to other BAE locations when manufacturing ceased in Chadderton four years ago.

The Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions general secretary Hugh Scullion said: “This is bitterly disappointing news for the staff and for the local communities which rely on these jobs.

“This is particularly true in the case of the proposed closure of Woodford. The CSEU believes there is still an opportunity to extend production at the Woodford site.”

BAE said that, following a detailed review of its current and future business levels, it had started consultation on the potential closure of Woodford and cuts at another three sites, with the loss of 1,116 jobs.

The firm is planning to close the Woodford site at the end of 2012, on completion of the Nimrod MRA4 production contract, with the loss of 630 jobs. A further 205 jobs will be lost at Samlesbury, 170 at Warton, both Lancashire, and 111 at Farnborough in Hampshire.