On behalf of 12,000 civilian specialists in the Ministry of Defence, Babcock and BAE Systems Prospect deputy general secretary Garry Graham said: “This is good news for local communities across the UK and will safeguard the high-skill high-value jobs the UK economy is desperate to grow.”

MOD says over 7,500 jobs will be safeguarded. The new contract covers the maintenance and repair of the Royal Navy’s warships and submarines. Babcock, which manages the naval bases at Devonport and Clyde has been awarded a £2.6bn contract. BAE Systems manages Portsmouth naval base has been awarded a £600m contract.