Up to 80 civilian jobs at risk in RAF Shawbury shake-up

It is believed up to 80 jobs could be threatened when Airbus takes over the helicopter contract in the spring.

Unite the Union, which represents a number of people currently employed at RAF Shawbury, is set to meet with representatives from Cobham next week but said there will be redundancies.

Matt Jones, area representative from Unite said: "We are aware of the situation that's going at Shawbury and that Cobham has lost the contract for helicopter training. Airbus is taking over this contract and we had an initial meeting with them last week.

"We will be doing everything we can do protect jobs, but we do know that there will be some redundancies. We are doing what we can to encourage Airbus to keep staff in employment.

"Ultimately there is going to be redundancies but we will look to mitigate that. I'm meeting with Cobham next week and we will know more then."

In 2012, Cobham was awarded a £193m contract to provide helicopter flying training at RAF Shawbury, RAF Valley and AAC Middle Wallop. At RAF Shawbury, Cobham is currently responsible for the majority of the base and operational services, which support ongoing operational activities.

A spokesman from Airbus Helicopters said: "We are in discussions with Cobham Aviation Services to meet the obligations of a Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment). Out of respect for employees at both companies, Airbus Helicopters will not comment further on the process, the outcome of which is still being worked on."

The Ministry of Defence said there are no planned redundancies in the military or MOD civilian posts at RAF Shawbury.

A spokesman said: "I can confirm that there are no planned reductions in staff with either the military or ministry of defence civilian posts at RAF Shawbury. There are a number of personnel employed by contractors at RAF Shawbury and we are unable to provide any comment on the management of staff by these contractors."