A wave of redundancies by Devonport Royal Dockyard operator Babcock International Group plc will not reduce the overall workforce, because recruitment will continue, union chiefs say.

Talks have begun between Babcock bosses and Unite representatives as the engineering giant strives to re-balance its workforce “in light of technological advances”.

Although it has been circulated among staff that up to 400 people could take part in a “voluntary early leavers’ programme”, this figure has not been confirmed by either Babcock or Unite. Moreover, the union says the company is continuing to recruit and will be taking on 120 apprentices this month (www.babcockinternational.com).

Rob Miguel, Unite’s regional officer, said: “We are fully aware of a review of operations that may result in people being re-deployed or — under a voluntary scheme — leaving the organisation.

“There are certain areas, especially on the managerial side, where there could be fewer jobs, but numbers will increase on the operational and technical sides.

“Babcock wants to ensure it has the right skill sets deployed effectively across the whole range of complex work within the dockyard.”

A spokesman for Babcock said: “A review of operations is under way at Devonport Royal Dockyard to ensure that we have the right people, with the right skills in the right place at the right time.

“The review is in its infancy, and it is too early to know the outcome. However, our trade unions and our workforce will be consulted on the process and any developments that occur.

“Our on-going recruitment process continues, and this year’s intake of apprentices are in the process of joining.”

In July, Babcock revealed that it has a £19 billion order book and is bidding for about £10.5 billion of work. Indeed, the company said that its financial year had started ‘with a bang’, and business continues to improve.

In a trading update covering activity since 1 April, Babcock said it continues to maintain a “healthy financial position”.