THE Atomic Weapons Establishment has announced that it is proposing to cut 500 jobs.

In a statement released last week by the company, it said: “The organisation is proposing to reduce the number of roles in some support functions and activities of the business where this is appropriate, with a reduction of around 500 roles across the organisation.”

The company employs 6,100 staff across its sites at Aldermaston and Burghfield, at Blacknest in Hampshire and Coulport in Scotland.

AWE said the cuts are part of its “programme of continuous improvement” which includes changes to “increase the effectiveness and efficiency in our operations in support of programme delivery”.

It added that “safety, security and quality” will remain central to all operations.

It is not clear how many jobs will be lost as a result of the changes.

The statement added: “The changes focus on improving and streamlining ways of working, investing in the capability of our people whilst reshaping and rebalancing our resources with all roles contributing directly to programme delivery.

“While the company is committed to avoiding compulsory redundancies where possible, a reduction of roles in some areas and an increase in others is required to ensure long-term efficiencies while meeting overall programme requirements.

“The welfare of our staff is our main concern and we will be doing everything we can to support them throughout the process.”

AWE said recruitment for key skills in disciplines such as science, engineering and technology will continue.

The group added: “We have been working closely with our customers, regulators, employees and trades unions in planning these changes and will continue to do so through the formal consultation period.”

Prospect, the largest of the recognised trade unions at AWE, has raised concerns that the redundancies should happen at a time when the company remains under an increased level of scrutiny by the Office for Nuclear Regulation.

Richard Tabbner, Prospect negotiator, said: “Prospect is both shocked and disappointed that the company has decided to announce job losses at a time when the regulatory body remains concerned about the shortage of skilled personnel within the company.

“Prospect members within AWE are highly skilled and specialised in the work they undertake. We will meet with the company and examine the business and safety cases for these redundancies, ensuring that AWE enters into meaningful consultation, justifying every proposed job loss.”

AWE Management Ltd is a consortium of Serco Group plc, the Lockheed Martin Corporation and Jacobs Engineering Group.