Unite seeks clarification on Yeovil helicopter jobs
Unite, the country's largest union, is seeking clarification on jobs from the management of AgustaWestland, following the Indian government's cancellation of a 12-helicopter deal at the Yeovil plant.
Unite is seeking clarification about future plans at the Somerset plant, after the contract, worth about £455 million, was cancelled amid allegations that Indian officials were bribed to secure the deal.
Unite national officer for aerospace Ian Waddell said today (Friday 3 January):
“We want to hold talks with the management to seek clarification on the implications of this cancellation for employees.
“This is a dedicated and skilled workforce, and we need to get assurances about job security going into 2014. The company's products are highly regarded internationally.
“We understand that the company has other contracts in place with the Norwegian government which is to be welcomed.”
AgustaWestland is the helicopter arm of Italian defence giant, Finmeccanica. Three of the helicopters have already been delivered to India and the remaining nine were due to be dispatched by the middle of this year.
