BAE announces 500 job cuts
Union leaders expressed their "bitter disappointment" yesterday as defence giant BAE Systems announced plans to cut over 500 jobs in its Land Systems division. News on the job cuts comes just days before the company is due to submit a bid which would allow it to supply the British Army with a new scout vehicle. BAE said the job losses were aimed at slashing its cost base so it can compete for the specialist vehicle element of the Future Rapid Effects System (FRES) program, and an update of the Army's Warrior infantry fighting.