Rolls-Royce factory workers in Lancashire reach deal after strike action over job cuts

Jobs have been saved at a Rolls-Royce factory in Lancashire after workers accepted a deal following a long-running dispute.

Members of the Unite union at the plant in Barnoldswick started taking industrial action last November in protest at plans to cut jobs and move work making aeroplane fan blades to Singapore.

Unite said the deal, which has been supported overwhelmingly by the workforce, will give the historic site a new lease of life as a core manufacturing facility and make it host to a new centre of excellence.

Steve Turner, Unite's assistant general secretary, said: "Today is a day for celebration at the Barnoldswick plant and their community.

"They demonstrated real solidarity in the face of a genuine threat, stood together and have won a future. True local heroes who have inspired a generation.

"This plant has a great history but it now has a bright future thanks to the courage and determination of these workers and the support of their friends and neighbours.

"It can look forward to celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2023, safe in the knowledge that it will play a leading role in Rolls-Royce as it repositions itself to be a key player in green manufacturing."

A company spokesman said: "We are pleased to confirm that after many weeks of complex and constructive talks about the future of our facility in Barnoldswick we have agreed a way forward with Unite.

"This includes a commitment to the long-term future of the site, delivering on our pledge not to close Barnoldswick, and the development of a training programme on the site to address the changing requirements for skilled engineering capability across the group and associated supply chain.

"This will include programmes designed to help meet the challenge of climate change."