POLITICIANS from Conwy, Gwynedd, Denbighshire and Anglesey have spoken out on proposed jobs cuts at major North Wales employer.

On Tuesday, June 30 Airbus confirmed that industry leader could reduce it's workforce by 15,000 jobs globally in response to the Covid-19 crisis - with 1,700 of this expected in the UK.

Following warnings from Ken Skates, the Welsh minister for economy, transport and North Wales, of "economic devastation" for areas surrounding the company's flagship site at Broughton, a group of seven Conservative MPs have issued a statement.

The group includes Aberconwy MP Robin Millar, Clwyd West MP David Jones, Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies, Ynys Mon MP Virginia Crosbie and Clwyd South South MP Simon Baynes. It also includes Wrexham MP Sarah Atherton and Delyn MP Rob Roberts.

The statement reads: "The announcement that Airbus is to reduce its workforce by 15,000 globally, and by 1,700 in the UK, is immensely worrying for local employees.

"Airbus plays a major role in the North Wales economy and provides employment for many residents across the region.

"We have spoken to Airbus and will continue to work closely with the company, trade unions and both the UK and Welsh Governments to do everything we can to support Airbus’ workers, their families and the wider community.

"The UK Government has provided significant support to help Airbus face the challenges that have emerged as a result of this pandemic, including supporting employees through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and investment in aerospace research and development.

"As this situation develops we will remain on hand to assist anyone who has been affected by this decision."

Unite Wales has warned this could have a huge impact on the aerospace sector in Wales, which has also seen job losses at both Magellan Aerospace and MIC.

Peter Hughes, Unite Wales regional secretary said: "“The significance of large scale job losses at Airbus would have a devastating impact on the aerospace sector in Wales and on the wider Welsh economy.

"Unite has been calling for the UK Government to put a plan of support in place for the Aerospace sector for months. This support has been provided by France and Germany, will the UK Government now step up to the plate and do everything required to support UK aviation jobs?

"We are calling upon Airbus to hold their nerve and step back from implementing their plan. Everything must be done to engage with Government to see if the necessary support can be provided to delay this decision until this crisis abates.

"Unite will not accept any proposal that involves compulsory redundancy for our members. The workforce at Broughton is world class, and have shown time and again how they are able to adapt and evolve their working practices to maintain the sites position as a central cog in Airbus European operations.

"Unite is open to working constructively with Airbus to look at all options available in order to maintain the maximum number of jobs at Broughton. "