Union slams loss of 108 jobs at RAF Kinloss

Union chiefs today described the loss of more than 100 jobs at an RAF base as a "hammer blow".

The 108 staff are employed at RAF Kinloss in Moray by aerospace contractors Cobham.

They carry out skilled work, including engineering and general maintenance of operations.

Lyn Turner, Unite regional industrial officer, said: "The loss of over 100 skilled jobs at RAF Kinloss is a hammer blow for the workers affected and to the local economy.

"We are extremely disappointed given that the prospect of these workers, many of whom are local residents with families to support, being able to redeploy their niche skills elsewhere into the local economy are next to nothing.

"RAF Kinloss is a major generator of economic activity in the Moray region. However, it is in an isolated location and the local economy needs it to be operating at maximum capacity."

It emerged last month that the base would be hit by military cutbacks in Scotland.

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth told the House of Commons that Nimrod MR2 aircraft will be withdrawn from the base 12 months earlier than planned.

Introduction of the Nimrod MRA4 has also been delayed until 2012 for financial reasons.

Mr Turner added: "In a time of great economic difficulty, the 18-month shortfall between the withdrawal of the MR2 Nimrod and the introduction of the new MRA4 is a blunder that will only impact negatively on the jobs, skills and the prosperity of this workforce and region.

"We would ask the Government to review their position urgently."

A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said that Cobham performed "depth maintenance" on the Nimrod MR2 fleet under sub-contract from BAE Systems.

She added: "We understand Cobham plc are making some staff redundant – that's a matter for the company.

"BAE Systems will continue to have a role at Kinloss maintaining the Nimrod MRA4, though this is yet to be fully defined, and any decisions regarding subcontracting is a matter for the company.

"RAF Kinloss is not being mothballed – the station remains open for business and is busy preparing for the arrival of the MRA4. Crew will being training on the new aircraft soon."