Engineering news
Defence group BAE Systems is to cut 440 managerial jobs as part of an efficiency drive at its military aircraft division.
BAE said the bulk of the proposed cuts will be at two sites in Lancashire, with 286 jobs set to go at Samlesbury and Warton. Other sites affected by the review include locations at Brough, Christchurch, Frimley, RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and RAF Marham in Norfolk.
The Military Air and Information (MAI) division's programmes include the Eurofighter Typhoon and Hawk Trainer jet.
In 2012 BAE was awarded a contract from the Omani Ministry of Defence to supply 12 Typhoon aircraft and eight Hawk aircraft. The first aircraft deliveries from the £2.5 billion contract are scheduled for 2017.
MAI managing director Chris Boardman said: "It is always regrettable when you have to announce potential job losses.
"However, we believe that by implementing changes to our management structure we will become a more efficient and effective business, and be better placed to meet the needs of current and potential customers in what is an increasingly competitive market."
He said the division has a strong order book with Hawk, Typhoon and F-35 in production, alongside extensive and growing in-service support work with the RAF and overseas customers.
Mr Boardman added: "We understand that this is a time of uncertainty for our employees and we are committed to working with them and their representatives to explore ways of avoiding and mitigating potential job losses."