Hopes raised for RAF Valley jobs as union says airbase is ‘front runner’ for Red Arrows maintenance

Hopes have been raised for the future of jobs at an airbase on Anglesey following claims maintenance of the Red Arrows will take place there.

News that the T1 Hawk is to be taken out of service next year had led to concerns for job security at RAF Valley.

Following the announcement, the Unite union has been campaigning for maintenance work on the Red Arrows to be carried out there, as well as converting T1s and using their parts for repairs.

The union has now claimed that RAF Valley is the front runner for this work and that it will be formally confirmed in spring 2022.

The union said it would avoid the need for redundancies at the base.

Unite Regional Officer Daryl Williams said: “The good news emerging from RAF Valley that a scope of works, with Valley as the sole site has been submitted has been welcomed by the workforce.

“However, the scope of works needs to go through several stages of sign off and the final proposal will not be confirmed until spring next year.

“The news vindicates Unite’s campaign for the recognition of the skills and knowledge of our members on the T1 Hawk but given the previous manoeuvrings over moving work from Valley, until this formally signed off by the MoD we will continue make the case and keep a close eye on developments.

“The work, when it comes will offset the loss of the T1 jobs due to it going out of service and should mitigate the need for redundancies.

“I would like to thank all those who have supported the campaign so far, particularly Nia Griffiths Shadow Welsh Secretary and Carolyn Thomas North Wales MS.”