Labour in a spin over 'wrong info' on BAE jobs

7:00pm Thursday 3rd July 2008

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A LABOUR press officer has denied trying to mislead people over new jobs.

Communications officer Anne-Marie Baker admitted giving incorrect information that BAE Sytems Insyte at Christchurch was going to get a £275m boost which would secure 145 jobs.

The press release sent to media said the "exclusive £275m contract is for the design and supply of mission systems" for the new aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.

It contained a statement from Labour Party Defence Secretary Des Browne, reading; "Des Browne said: I am delighted to make this announcement which will mean 145 jobs secured in Christchurch.

"Labour's mission is to build a Britain of lasting prosperity and fairness - which is why I'm so pleased to be signing this contract that offers better job security for local workers'."

Labour's Prosepective Parliament- ary Candidate for Christchurch, Robert Deeks, was quoted as saying: "This is great news for the staff and families who work at BAE in Christchurch."

But the information was incorrect. Most of the jobs safeguarded are at the company's systems office 68 miles away in Frimley, Surrey. Only eight to 10 people at BAE's Grange Road factory in Christchurch are involved.

"They often travel to the Frimley site," said BAE spokesman Sue Kennard.

Anne-Marie Baker said she was "absolutely not" trying to deceive Christchurch residents.

"We were given the wrong information. It was an innocent mistake and we didn't set out to mislead anyone."

Cllr Alan Griffiths, leader of Christchurch Borough Council, said: "This is a typical attempt to spin a positive story without foundation."