Today’s defence-related news includes coverage of the support provided to Locally Employed Civilians in Afghanistan.
Locally Employed Civilians (LECs) in Afghanistan
The Telegraph and The Daily Mail report on the evidence session held by the House of Commons Defence Committee yesterday to review the support provided by the Government to Afghan LECs.
An MOD spokesperson said:
The Government recognises the vital role local staff played in operations in Afghanistan and is committed to ensuring their safety. To date, over 1,000 people have been relocated to the UK as part of our Redundancy Scheme, which includes around 385 former Locally Employed Civilians and their immediate families, around another 60 are due to move soon.
Babcock Job Losses
The Daily Telegraph, The Press & Journal, The Scotsman, The Glasgow Herald, and the Daily Record report that Babcock confirmed the loss of 250 jobs yesterday, linking the news to Ultra Electronics’ recent warning on the health of the UK defence market.
A Government spokesperson said:
The MOD spent £1.7 billion with Babcock last year, and their Rosyth yard has played the instrumental role of assembling the nation’s two new aircraft carriers. The company has taken this decision as a result of internal restructuring and have said they are working to offer new opportunities to as many employees as possible. It is clearly a concerning time for their workers and the government stands ready to support those affected.
Image of the day
