NEWS that almost 300 BAE Systems managerial posts at Samlesbury and Warton are to be axed has ‘dismayed’ Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans.

The firm’s military air and information divisional managing director Chris Boardman yesterday confirmed 440 potential managerial job losses across the UK.

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Of those, 286 will be at the BAE’s two Lancashire Military Aircraft factories as part of savings programme worth tens on millions of pounds.

Mr Boardman said the job losses were aimed at reducing costs and streamlining the business to win more orders in an increasingly difficult world defence market.

Mr Evans said; “I am dismayed and concerned.These are highly paid staff and it will impact on the firm and the local economy.

“I am not sure losing skilled executives is the right way to set about winning new orders.

“I have asked Business Secretary Vince Cable to contact the company.”

Mr Boardman said the review of the management structure had covered all levels up to the highest paid, including his own job.

It covered all 1,246 executives at Warton and 465 at Samlesbury.

Mr Boardman, a 53-year-old former BAE apprentice, said: “We believe these changes will make us a more efficient and effective business, and help us win future orders an increasingly competitive market.

“It’s not just about cutting costs but about making us lean and flexible for the future. None of our 10,000 shop floor, in service or design staff in Lancashire are affected.

“We have a strong order book with Hawk, Typhoon and F35 in production. We produce the globes best military aircraft. The world is a dangerous place.

“I know some of the people affected and we are looking to support them. Our submarine business in Barrow is seeking to recruit 300 managers. I shall remain to oversee this change.”

Phil Entwistle, convener for the Unite union at BAE, said: “I am relieved this is the first review of staffing in six years not to affect our members on the shop floor.

“But I am never happy about any job losses in the firm.”

Blackburn MP Jack Straw said: “This is very worrying but the defence equipment market is very competitive at the moment.

“BAE have a long record of handling redundancy situations sensitively. This is difficult time for the company.”