Rolls-Royce proposes two-week suspension of civil aerospace production

Aero-engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce has reportedly proposed to suspend its civil aerospace unit for two weeks this year.

The decision is part of the company’s strategy to manage costs as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the global aviation industry.

Several of the company’s airline customers have grounded their aeroplanes, which has led to a drop in engine demand.

In relation with this move, Rolls-Royce has already initiated talks with unions on the shutdown and cost-cutting at its civil aerospace unit.

The news was first reported by The Sunday Telegraph.

A Rolls-Royce spokesperson was quoted by Bloomberg as saying: “As part of the agreement reached with the union last summer, we agreed in principle to enter into negotiations about delivering a 10% productivity and efficiency improvement across our civil aerospace operations in the UK.

“We have now begun complex and constructive discussions with the union on how this can be achieved.”

If implemented, the measures will impact 19,000 civil aerospace workers, including 12,500 UK-based roles. However, there is no specific information on whether the shutdown would be restricted within the country.

Until the end of 2019, Rolls-Royce employed 51,700 people worldwide.

Last December, Rolls-Royce revealed plans to eliminate more than 5,500 roles by the end of this year.

The company aims to reduce its workforce by at least 9,000 roles by the end of next year, as part of a major reorganisation programme to protect its business.