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date: 31 May 2012

embargo: for immediate release

BAE Newcastle closure and resultant job losses 'a hammer blow to North East manufacturing' says Northern TUC

Commenting on today's announcement that the BAE Systems site on Scotswood Road in Newcastle will be closed, resulting in 600 job losses Kevin Rowan, Regional Secretary of the Northern TUC said:

'The announcement from BAE Systems is a hammer blow to North East manufacturing. Losing so many highly skilled and well paid jobs is devastating for all individuals concerned as well as to our local economy. We are now witnessing the Government's savage cuts to defence taking its toll across our manufacturing and defence industries. This is further evidence that Ministers must urgently review their counterproductive cuts and become much more active in safeguarding British industry and jobs.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- Northern TUC press releases www.tuc.org.uk/northern national releases www.tuc.org.uk and www.twitter.com/tucnews

- Register for the TUC's press extranet: a service exclusive to journalists wanting to access pre-embargo releases and reports www.tuc.org.uk/pressextranet

- For TUC advice and information on the world of work www.workSMART.org.uk

Media contacts:

Kevin Rowan, Northern TUC Regional Secretary T: 0191 227 5565; M: 07766250074; E: krowan@tuc.org.uk

Press release (200 words) issued 31 May 2012