Lockheed Martin is set to cut around a sixth of its workforce at its base in Ampthill, Bedfordshire following the government’s decision not to an upgrade to the Warrior tank.
The decision to scrap the upgrade came in the government’s recent Defence Command Paper. It means that up to 158 people out of the 900 employed by the US-owned company at Ampthill will lose their jobs.
Lockheed Martin said that the job cuts were “direct result” of the government’s spending review.
In a statement in City A.M. Lee Fellows, general manager at Ampthill, said: “Despite the need for this workforce reduction, we remain a strong business, with a very talented, dedicated team.
“This exercise will ensure that we maintain competitiveness by delivering affordable products and services to customers while positioning for future growth opportunities that will benefit the facility in the longer term.
“We remain committed to supporting impacted employees and providing whatever assistance we can during this difficult time.”
