EAST Lancashire MPs are concerned that 200 senior management job losses in BAE Systems' Lancashire factories could be "the thin end of the wedge".

Ribble Valley Tory Nigel Evans and Hyndburn Labour Whip Greg Pope are seeking urgent meetings with company bosses to make sure that the merger between British Aerospace and Marconi which created the new company will not cost more people their livelihoods.

Union leaders fear that the current job cuts - blamed on the amalgamation - could be followed by redundancies in other grades.

BAE Systems said the cutbacks were needed to reduce costs at the firm's Samlesbury and Warton sites which employ 10,000 people.

Mr Evans and Mr Pope, who has raised the issue with Trade and Industry Ministers, want assurances that this is not the start of mass redundancies at the plants.

Mr Evans said: "I am extremely concerned by this announcement. I am seeking reassurances that these job losses are not the thin end of the wedge with further job losses being planned elsewhere.

"I trust that none of these jobs losses will be compulsory.

"I am seeking further assurances that these jobs are not being exported abroad to other defence companies with which BAE Systems collaborate.

"I want to ensure that Lancashire remains at the heart of the defence manufacturing industry. Any job losses sap morale in the workforce and we must ensure that Lancashire retains the manufacturing skills necessary to compete in a competitive global marketplace." Mr Pope, Whip to the Department of Trade and Industry, said: "I am extremely upset about these job losses. Local people and MPs have been extremely supportive of BAE over issues like the Eurofighter and now they repay us with sacking 200 loyal managers.

"I have already raised this as an issue of concern with DTI Ministers and I shall be working with colleagues to seek a meeting with BAE management.

"I fear there could be a knock-on effect on the Aerospace industry and sub-contractors on whom the East Lancashire economy depends.

"The letter sent to MPs says that the redundancies are needed to compete in a competitive global market. I find it hard to believe that this will be the end of them. The fear is that it is the thin end of the wedge."

Burnley MP Peter Pike said: "While I accept that job losses, although regrettable, are an inevitable consequence of mergers, I shall be seeking reassurance from the company that there will not be further redundancies or any knock-on effect for sub-contractors in my constituency."

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