Following the recent announcement that BAE are cutting jobs across the organisation, around 200 protesters have rallied outside the Portsmouth shipyard to show their disappointment with the decision.

BAE justifys the cuts due to a lack of demand for their products and services. The UK Ministry of Defence and other organisations are planning to try and step in where possible, and invest in the expansion of the Portsmouth shipyard. Ultimately, no one wants to see the shipyard closed.

The company announced that over 1800 jobs will be axed from across the business, many of which will be from the Portsmouth yard. The decision was never going to be received well by the local community, and Portsmouth council are doing everything in their power to hold on to as many jobs as possible; they are not happy to just see the yard close. Currently, over 900 jobs are set to be cut from Portsmouth alone. The council wants to ensure the shipyard stays open; if BAE cut jobs there is a chance for a new buyer to step in.

The job cuts are a massive blow to the local community, and come at a time when the city’s economic climate is at a low. Let’s hope everything is done to save as many jobs as possible and to allow the prestigious shipyard to continuing trading for years to come.