WELSH Government ministers have reacted to devastating news that Flintshire’s Airbus facility will take the brunt of the company’s UK redundancies.

At the Welsh Government’s daily coronavirus press conference, minister for international relations and the Welsh language Eluned Morgan spoke of the Government’s reaction to the “devastating news” that many jobs would be lost at Airbus’ Broughton facility in Flintshire.

She said: "This is clearly devastating news. Not just Airbus and for those employed there, but for the whole economy of Wales. We have to understand the impact and the contribution that company makes to the broader economy of Wales.

“Clearly this is a larger number of jobs than we feared. Of course, this will underline our determination to ensure that we work with the people in those factories and Airbus to ensure that we will put those support mechanisms in place. We will keep on pressing the UK Government to get more support for the sector.”

Minutes before the daily briefing, Airbus confirmed today, July 2, that 1,435 jobs will be cut at the company's flagship Welsh site. This means that the further 295 potential job losses will go from the aerospace manufacturers Filton site in England’s Bristol.

Staff cuts are part of a wider plan to cut 15,000 jobs with the company worldwide.

Following the announcement by Airbus, minister for economy and North Wales Ken Skates issued a statement speaking of how this will be a “huge blow to the region and industry”.

He said: “The announcement that 1,435 jobs are to be lost at Broughton confirms our fears following Airbus’ announcement earlier this week. It is a huge blow for the region and the industry.

“My thoughts are with all those affected - the workers, their families and wider community.

“I have set out the action we will take to support Airbus, the aerospace sector and supply chain. We are working with all our partners, across government and cross-border.”

Mr Skates commits to leave no stone unturned to support the aerospace industry which he calls “the lifeblood of North East Wales”.

He adds: “All governments must work together and we are ready to work with the UK Government. I repeat my call to them that immediate and radical action now needs to be taken to secure the future of the aerospace sector.”