More than 60 jobs are at risk at two Valleys factories. Global aerospace and defence company General Dynamics plans to cut its workforce at its Oakdale-based branch in Bryn Brithdir, as well as those at its branch in Pentrebach, Merthyr Tydfil, it has been confirmed.
The jobs were publicly confirmed as at risk on Wednesday, October 5 and are in addition to the 60 losses announced in April across the two sites. A letter sent to staff on August 1, 2022 and seen by WalesOnline stated: "General Dynamics Land Systems-UK has undertaken a review of its operations and subsequent workforce requirements. Recent developments, including the recent Ministry of Defence decision not to proceed with the Multi-Role Vehicle-Protected Group 2 Programme and current programme activities associated with the Ajax Programme, necessitate workforce adjustments.
"These adjustments will regrettably result in up to 46 roles across the business being reduced. This is a difficult measure to take, but we're making sure the business is dimensioned to successfully execute current business, and put us in the best position to secure future business."
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A follow up letter - also seen by WalesOnline - was sent to staff on September 13 stating the workforce would need to be reduced by "an additional 14 heads" and that the company would be moving to compulsory redundancy consultations in a number of areas.
A GDUK Spokeswoman said: “General Dynamics is holding a quarterly Strategy Day with employees on Thursday [September 28]. During this on-site event, we will be engaging with our wider customer community, including re-signing our recently revalidated Gold Award as part of the Armed Forces Covenant, which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting the UK Armed Forces.”
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