MOD Chops Jobs

According to reports released today, a new fleet of Chinook helicopters could be funded by job cuts at the Ministry of Defence.

Bob Ainsworth, Defence Secretary said that the government would be purchasing 22 new choppers to support the war on terror in Afghanistan. However, it is believed that RAF Cottesmore will be close to foot the bill and allow £900m more to be spent on the mission.

Thousands of defence jobs in Whitehall and unspecified military and civilian positions within the armed forces are also at risk.

This decision comes after the Treasury gave the MOD another £2.5 billion for the war in Afgahinistan, but defence bosses are warning that the budget doesn't cover all the costs. Mr Ainsworth has indicated that other areas of defence spending would face cuts due to the limited budget and all resources being shifted to support ongoing military operations.

Roger Begy, the leader of Rutland County Council stated his concerns over the planned closure of RAF Cottesmore, the area's biggest employer. The council are currently in talks with the RAF to salvage what's left and keep skills on the site and in the country.

Sir Malcolm Rifkind said the job and equipment cuts are a ‘dangerous move and has the most ominous implication for the integrity of our armed forces'.

Job Centre Vacancies says: The recession has meant that UK public finances have been burdened with a huge deficit of £178bn, this is just one measure to cut costs in a dwindling budget for the Ministry of Defence, expect more cost-saving measures to be announced, which could mean further job losses.

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