MORE than 100 aerospace jobs are being cut at a Hampshire factory – on top of a round of voluntary redundancies.

Global corporation Eaton is consulting over 89 job losses on the factory floor of its Titchfield site, along with 21 office jobs.

The latest blow comes after 64 people answered a call for voluntary redundancies in April.

Eaton, which specialises in power management technology, has its aerospace fuel and motion control systems division at Abbey Park in Titchfield.

The aerospace sector has suffered a series of job losses since the coronavirus crisis began, with employers such as Rolls Royce and Meggitt announcing major redundancies.

A spokesman for Eaton said its proposals were being discussed with trade union reps and the company’s employee forum.

He said: “Following the continued impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the airline industry, Eaton’s aerospace business is facing challenges of slowing industry demand whilst needing to maintain profitability and ensuring that the business keeps running.

“Over the past few months, the industry challenges have accelerated and are not expected to recover for some time.”

Around 80 per cent of aircraft fleets had been grounded, reducing the demand for maintenance and spare parts, while the manufacture of new aircraft had slowed significantly, he said.

“As a company, we are taking actions to reduce costs and preserve the jobs that will help the company be successful in the future. Our aerospace business in the UK had already communicated to employees its intent to use the UK government furlough scheme along with voluntary unpaid leaves of absence to support this effort,” he added.

“With the support of relevant trade unions and employee representatives, Eaton launched a voluntary redundancy programme for UK aerospace employees in April. However, whilst the uptake of this programme was positive, continued challenging market conditions have meant that these actions are not enough and therefore the proposal to restructure the workforce has been put forward.

“This proposal is by no means a reflection on the hard work and dedication of Eaton’s Aerospace employees in the UK. We recognise that this is a difficult time for employees and their families and appreciate their contributions to date in protecting the safety and wellbeing of their colleagues and the service and support they have given to their customers and partners during the pandemic.”

Earlier this week, shadow business secretary Ed Miliband caled for action to prevent mass job losses in manufacturing, asking “when specific help will actually materialise for sectors like steel and aerospace”.

Business secretary Alok Sharma replied: “If he would look at the sum total of what this government is providing, it is significant and it is incredibly favourable when compared with international comparators.”

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