FOLLOWING the announcement that the Hawk T1 aircraft is to be taken out of service next year, the Unite trade union has been campaigning for the Red Arrow maintenance, conversion and spares for repairs work to continue to be based at RAF Valley.

News coming out of the base is that Valley is now the frontrunner for this work and that it will be formally confirmed in spring 2022.

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 is formally signed off by the MoD, we will continue to 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.”

Rhun ap Iorwerth, Ynys Môn MS, added: “After a series of jobs blows, it would be positive news to have confirmation that work associated with the Red Arrows will remain at Valley.

“I know that the Unite union has made a strong case on behalf of the excellent local workforce, and I’ll be meeting with the Union in the coming days to discuss how we can ensure that this proposal is kept firmly on the table and confirmed as soon as possible.”