Rolls-Royce said on Nov. 20 it anticipated cutting between 1,500 and 2,000 jobs worldwide in 2009, or up to 5% of its global workforce. "Rolls-Royce has been reviewing the possible impact of current economic uncertainties, delays on individual programs, such as the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 787, and the benefits of the group's continuing focus on efficiency," the company said.
"While it is too early to be specific about the precise implications for the number and location of job reductions, the group's current assessment is that in 2009 it will be necessary to implement job reductions... of around 1,500 to 2,000 on a worldwide basis," the statement added.
Rolls Royce employs 39,000 people globally, with 60% of its staff working in Britain. Rolls-Royce has cut 2,300 jobs so far this year.
"We are determined to maintain our focus on cost reduction and competitiveness as the world economy enters a challenging period," Rolls-Royce chief executive John Rose said.
Rolls-Royce added that it had begun consulting employee representatives about a proposed reduction of 140 jobs at its assembly and test facility in Derby, central England, that forms part of the group's civil aerospace business.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2008
