Rolls-Royce to axe up to 2,000 jobs

Rolls-Royce is planning to cut up to 2,000 jobs next year. The company currently has about 39,000 employees, with 60% of its workforce based in the UK.

At this stage, it would not confirm where the job losses would be, or if marketing roles would be affected.

The company says it is considering cutting 140 jobs at its assembly and test facility in Derby, with other jobs to be cut globally.

It says the cost-cutting exercise is necessary due to the global economic slowdown and delays to projects by Airbus and Boeing.

“Rolls-Royce has been reviewing the possible impact of the current economic uncertainties, delays on individual programmes, such as the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 787, and the benefits of the group’s continuing focus on efficiency,” the company says.

“We are determined to maintain our focus on cost reduction and competitiveness as the world economy enters a challenging period,” adds Rolls-Royce chief executive Sir John Rose.

The latest job cuts are in addition to those announced in January, when Rolls-Royce said it would axe 2,300 jobs during 2008.