EAST Lancashire’s aerospace industry will lose jobs to Asia in the near future and it could be years before they are replaced, regeneration chiefs have warned.

After a torrid year in which hundreds of highly-skilled positions were lost in the sector, a report has urged action to ensure the area remains at the forefront of manufacturing, research and development expertise.

East Lancashire’s council bosses are this week set to discuss options to ensure a bright future.

But they have been warned that jobs at major firms like BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce will be lost to emerging markets like China, India, Malaysia and Brazil.

The report, to the PLACE joint committee, says there could be a two to three years ‘lag’ before the positions are replaced.

Steve Hoyle, boss of Regenerate Pennine Lancashire, suggested the skills acquired in aerospace could instead be used in the nuclear industry, which is likely to be a growth area.

In a report he said: “The aerospace industry is going through a period of structural change and the outlook suggests that manufacturing processes in both the defence and civil industries will continue to be lost from the UK.”

Two key BAE contracts, the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, will insulate the area against extreme jobs misery he added.

North West Aerospace Alliance chief executive Martin Wright said: “The report reflects that there is plenty to be positive about.”