BAE systems jobs cuts are a “serious knock” to those affected, according to business secretary Vince Cable.

BAE Systems has announced that it is to make almost 3,000 job cuts across the UK.

Cable says: “This news from BAE Systems will be a serious knock to the individuals and communities affected. My officials and the BIS local teams are already in touch with the company, local authorities and local enterprise partnerships to make sure that everything possible is done to help those affected at Brough, Warton, Samlesbury and other sites.

“Last year I set up the Skills and Jobs Retention Group, chaired by Allan Cook, to help skilled workers find new jobs in UK manufacturing. The group will ensure that the shortage of engineers in UK manufacturing is not exacerbated by the loss of talented people from companies like BAE Systems.

“The group has set up a new national web-based system to make it easier for companies to recruit skilled workers who have been made redundant and the JobCentre Plus Rapid Response Service is also on hand to provide a range of support measures.”