BAE SHIPS BUOYING UP THE WIDER ECONOMY

The report, by the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute, was commissioned by BAE Defence Systems which 10 days ago took full control of the business previously known as BVT Surface Fleet, with shipyards in Glasgow and Portsmouth and offices in Filton near Bristol.

Now renamed BAE Systems Surface Ships, the business generated £1.12billion of turnover in the year to April, contributing £231million to the economy directly and another £366million through wages and supplier payments, the study showed.

It employed 6,700 people directly at its three sites and supported another 8,200 jobs elsewhere in the UK, equivalent to 122 additional jobs for every 100 people employed by the company. It runs the largest apprentice scheme in Scotland.

Managing direct or Alan Johnston said: “The findings of the study demonstrate that our business and the warship industry continue to thrive in the UK and the number of people who benefit from the shipyards continues to increase year on year.

“Despite the current economic climate we have seen significant growth in the past year and have the strongest future order book that this industry has seen in many years.”