These cuts will involve the loss of managerial and specialist roles right across the BVT organisation and threaten its ability to meet the deadline for the Royal Navy’s two new aircraft carriers.

Prospect has yet to agree a new redundancy policy with BVT following the creation of the new venture. The union is currently pursuing legal challenges against BVT and its constituent companies for their failure to consult with the trade unions before transferring staff into BVT in July.

On behalf of over 250 engineers, managers and other specialist staff at BVT, Prospect Negotiations Officer John Ferrett said:

“This is devastating news for our members who have been transferred to BVT. They had been told, after securing the contract to build two new aircraft carriers, that their jobs were now secure.

“In view of the fact that this is the first phase of the cuts Prospect is extremely concerned about our members’ future within BVT and the company’s ability to deliver, on time, the two carriers which are designed to provide the UK’s frontline forces with the modern, world-class facilities they will need in the coming decades.”