Union increases pressure on MoD to commit to helicopter contract

Unite is pressurising the Government to commit to buy helicopters that would be made at Somerset’s largest employer, Leonardo.

The union is stepping up its campaign for the much-needed Government contract to be secured.

Ben Clarke, convenor at Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil said: “For over 100 years, Yeovil has been the beating heart of British helicopter design and manufacturing. This site isn’t just a workplace – it’s a legacy of innovation and craftsmanship. We need the government to recognise that sustaining this legacy is vital for our national interests, both economically and strategically.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham has previously met with Defence Secretary John Healey to seek assurances from the government that it will commit to purchase UK produced defence equipment, including New Medium Lift Helicopters (NMLH).

A commitment that the UK government will purchase NMLH from Leonardo is seen as crucial for the future of the factory in Yeovil.

The Yeovil site supports 2,800 directly employed workers with thousands more employed as contractors or in its supply chain.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It is essential that the government commits to building its new helicopter programme with Leonardo in Yeovil. These are highly skilled workers and a further delay in awarding this contract would have disastrous consequences for the long-term future of this factory.

“We have had the government’s statement of intent for the defence sector – now we need to see some action. The UK’s defence workers are critical to the country’s national security. They were let down by the previous government’s combination of incompetence and indecision. Now Labour needs to step up to the plate and make sure that these jobs and skills remain in the UK.”