200 Yorkshire jobs saved as BAE signs new Saudi Hawk deal

The firm, which has a Hawk site at Brough in North Yorkshire, said the deal includes the supply of 55 Pilatus PC-21 aircraft and 22 Hawk advanced jet trainer aircraft, as well as spares and technical support.

BAE said: “BAE Systems can confirm that it has presented an alternative solution to ending manufacturing at Brough to its employees and their representative.

The solution, which has been made viable with the Hawk order from KSA, will mitigate 248 potential job losses at the site and guarantee a role for 30 of the site’s apprentices upon completion of their apprenticeship. A further 73 roles available for Brough employees who wish to transfer across to the Samlesbury and Warton sites.

“The solution will see Brough undertake work associated with Hawk detail manufacturing and sub-assemblies.”

However Ian Waddell, Unite National Officer for Aerospace, said the 200 jobs saved were a “drop in the ocean.”

He added: “There are other BAE sites across the North West where workers are also frightened for their future and thousands of jobs are at risk. Two hundred jobs saved feels like a drop in the ocean for our members.

“BAE’s strategy of transferring Hawk from the Brough site to Lancashire was predicated on them winning this Saudi order, so it will not save any of the jobs currently under threat at either Brough or the Lancashire sites.”

Guy Griffiths, BAE’s group managing director International, said: “We have a long history in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and, working with Pilatus, we will provide the RSAF with the best training platforms to meet their requirements.

“Through the Hawk advanced jet trainer, the trainee fast jet pilots will have access to the very latest in advanced simulation for radar, weapons and defensive aids training to enable a smooth transition to frontline aircraft, including Typhoon.”

Deliveries of the Pilatus PC-21, manufactured in Switzerland, will start in 2014. The UK-built Hawk aircraft will be delivered from 2016.

BAE announced last September that 865 jobs were threatened by the ending of manufacturing at Brough, but a spokesman said 118 jobs had already been saved, and a further 73 jobs were available to workers from the Yorkshire site to other BAE centres in Samlesbury and Warton in Lancashire.

Welcoming the announcement, Prime Minister David Cameron told MPs it was “more good news for British jobs, for British investment and British Aerospace”.