Outrage as Rolls-Royce looks abroad

The company told workers it is looking at the feasibility of constructing an aircraft engine testing plant in Germany or the US instead of at its UK base in Derby, the Observer reported.

It is a further blow for Derby after train maker Bombardier announced 1,400 job losses in the city following the Government’s announcement that it would award a £1.4bn contract to Germany’s Siemens.

The Unite union’s regional secretary for the East Midlands, Adrian Uxtell, said: “This has potentially long-term implications for Derby’s manufacturing base.

“Rolls-Royce, with the support of the Government, need to do everything possible to maintain its development projects in Derby in the long term.”