Qinetiq base in Malvern 'is safe' says MP
Defence company Qinetiq has confirmed its long-term commitment to its Worcestershire site despite recent jobs cut announcements, an MP says.
Last month the company confirmed plans to axe 325 jobs across the UK on top of proposals in July to cut 391 jobs.
Ministry of Defence spending cuts have led to the announcements.
But West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin said the firm has reassured her the site in Malvern is safe although a company review is still under way.
The chief executives of Worcestershire County Council and Malvern Hills District Council also joined the meeting with senior executives from Qinetiq.
Ms Baldwin said: "Qinetiq has been undertaking a widespread strategic review and although it is not yet completed, the team was able to assure us that the long-term future of the Malvern site is safe.
"I have had many letters expressing concern about the future of the site and I hope this puts that issue to rest."
On 6 July the company, which employs more than 6,000 staff in the UK, said about 130 jobs could be cut in Farnborough, Hampshire, and about 230 jobs could go in Malvern.
As part of the latest announcement, the firm said it could reduce staff numbers at Boscombe Down, near Salisbury, by about 135 people, about 70 jobs were at risk at Farnborough and about 30 at Malvern.
But Adam Palser, managing director of Qinetiq Technical and Information Services said the firm was proud of its links with Malvern.
"Qinetiq has a long heritage in Malvern and we are proud of our presence," he said.
"However, we have to make Malvern work for us in the long term by building a sustainable business," he said.
"There are challenges ahead, including the Strategic Defence and Security Review and Comprehensive Spending Review, so we simply don't have clarity on the shape of our markets in the future."