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Thousands of UK Boeing jobs at risk as manufacturer plans global cuts

October 13, 2024

Boeing's plan to cut 17,000 jobs globally raises concerns for over 4,000 UK workers, including staff at its Sheffield manufacturing facility, amid financial pressures and production delays.

More than 4,000 Boeing employees in the UK are facing uncertainty as the American aerospace giant prepares to cut 17,000 jobs globally, roughly 10% of its workforce.

Boeing’s UK operations, including its only European manufacturing facility in Sheffield, may be impacted by the sweeping job cuts, as the company grapples with financial challenges.

Boeing’s UK workforce is spread across 30 locations, with approximately half working on defence contracts, delivering helicopters such as the AH-64E Apache and planes like the C-17 Globemaster. The company’s Sheffield site employs 125 people who produce wing components for Boeing’s 737 aircraft, while Boeing Global Services operates maintenance facilities at Gatwick airport.

Boeing’s chief executive, Kelly Ortberg, announced the job cuts on Friday, citing ongoing financial difficulties exacerbated by production delays and worker strikes. Regulators have also slowed down Boeing’s manufacturing after a door panel incident on a 737 Max jet earlier this year. The crisis deepened after 33,000 workers went on strike in Seattle over pay disputes, causing further production halts.

Ortberg stated, “Restoring our company requires tough decisions, and we will have to make structural changes to ensure we can stay competitive.” Alongside the job cuts, Boeing has delayed the launch of its 777X jet until 2026 and will halt production of its 767 cargo planes by 2027.

While the specific impact on UK jobs remains unclear, sources suggest that job losses may be skewed toward the US. Hypothetically, if Boeing applies the cuts proportionally, approximately 400 UK workers could be affected. However, Boeing has yet to formally inform its UK employees about how they will be impacted.

The financial strain on Boeing has led to mounting pressure from airline customers, including Ryanair, which had to downgrade its passenger forecasts due to delayed aircraft deliveries. Credit ratings agency S&P has placed Boeing on “negative” watch, raising the possibility of its debt being downgraded to junk status.