UP TO 75 jobs are at risk at a defence firm in Malvern, according to a workers union.
Qinetiq is currently going through a consultation phase of redundancies which could affect 200 people across the UK.
Prospect, the union which represents Qinetiq workers, say around 75 jobs could go at the Malvern Technology Centre hub but hoped the figure would be ‘significantly’ lower.
A statement from Prospect added: “We are in dialogue with QinetiQ, and our members, and understand that in the region of a quarter of any eventual role reduction may be achieved through natural churn, for example, not backfilling posts as they become vacant through retirement.
“We are urging for any eventual redundancies to be achieved through voluntary means to the fullest extent possible.”
A Qinetiq spokesperson said a reduction in the size of engineering teams had to be considered in a bid to meet customer needs and deliver growth for the business.
“These changes are about helping us to meet our strategy, it is not about downsizing the business – our headcount will remain broadly the same,” they added.
“The changes will allow us to invest in our people, facilities and capabilities, with customers starting to see real benefits in the near future.
“Until the consultation is completed, we will not be making any final decisions, and we will be actively supporting our people during this process.”
Malvern’s MP Harriett Baldwin was left surprised after hearing of Qinetiq’s plans and hoped the actual number of people affected would kept to an absolute minimum.
“From past experience we know people who have worked at QinetiQ are highly sought after and I have offered my assistance if any constituents need guidance or help,” she said.
“With employment at record high levels I hope the people affected will easily transition into new opportunities.”
Qinetiq currently employs around 5,200 people in the UK.
