Rolls-Royce given go-ahead to shift approval work from Derby to Germany

Derby manufacturing giant Rolls-Royce has been given the go-ahead to transfer design approval for large aero engines to Germany because of uncertainties around Brexit.

The European Aviation Safety Agency has given the go-ahead for the company to shift the work to a site near Berlin.

Rolls-Royce says no jobs will be lost in Derby because of the move.

In December, the company said: “Rolls-Royce notes the decision by the UK Government to delay the vote on the proposed Withdrawal Agreement and political declaration. We will continue to implement our contingency plans until we are certain that a deal and transition period has been agreed.

“Specifically, we are working with EASA to transfer design approval for large aero engines to Germany, where we already carry out this process for business jets. This is a precautionary and reversible technical action which we do not anticipate will lead to the transfer of any jobs.

“We have begun to build inventory as a contingency measure, in line with the timetable that we gave in the summer. We have been liaising with all our suppliers and have reviewed our logistics options and have the required capacity available. At this point we have contingency plans in place and will update the market when we have clearer visibility.”