Airbus threat to UK workers

Jobs could go as firm meets union

AIRCRAFT maker Airbus is to meet unions tomorrow to announce possible job cuts. The company, which employs 15,000 people at 25 sites across Britain, is slashing production of the A380 Superjumbo and A400M military plane. The firm, whose headquarters are in France, confirmed a meeting was planned with its European works council members to discuss “associated implications for the workforce”. Reports in the French media last week suggested Airbus was planning to move or cut 3,600 jobs. Airbus said yesterday it had “demonstrated its ability to find the best possible solutions for its workforce on various occasions in the past”.

Last month, Airbus announced a £1.2billion hit from its delayed A400M military plane program. But bumper orders elsewhere helped annual profits jump from £883million to £2.5bn.

It came as the company warned it may have to stockpile parts once the UK leaves the EU. Airbus is worried that Brexit will lead to delays in getting parts if border checks are introduced.

Katherine Bennett, senior vice president for Airbus UK, said it would make a decision very soon. She explained: “We spend £5bn a year on the UK supply chain. It is really important the parts don’t get held up in warehouses.”

The company operates a just-in-time supply chain, meaning a delay of even three hours for parts coming from Europe would be “critical”.