Responding to Babcock International's announcement to cut 500 jobs at Devonport Plymouth, Prospect, deputy general secretary Garry Graham, said: “Prospect was briefed by management this morning about 500 positions potentially going at Devonport dockyard.

“No formal process has been started but if it does Prospect has been assured that it will be fully consulted.

“Prospect have long been warning that the government need to end the delays to defence procurement decisions and follow through on the national shipbuilding strategy if they are to secure the UK skills base and maintain our sovereign capacity.

“Opening the contract for the Type 31es is a start, but the government need to show greater commitment by speeding up the process and committing to UK procurement for naval support ships to invest in defence jobs and skills.”