ALMOST 300 workers are set to lose their jobs at GE Caledonian Prestwick.

The aviation firm who specialise in the servicing of jet engines have confirmed that 109 hourly positions and 26 salaried positions are under threat.

The Ayr Advertiser first told in May that jobs at the Prestwick Aerospace site were at risk.

It is understood that more than 150 staff will be offered to take a voluntary redundancy.

A letter sent to staff this week confirmed the jobs losses which is part of a restructure exercise that will take place at GE Aviation operations across Europe.

The firm have blamed the “dramatic and continuing” impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their business, stating that airline travel has declined by 80 per cent with manufacturers announcing reduced production schedules that will extend into 2021.

The letter from Iain Rodger, Managing Director reads: “To protect our business, we have responded with difficult cost-cutting actions over the last four months.

“Unfortunately, more is needed and we continue to see the need to reduce our cost base across our business.”

The letter continues: “At GE Caledonian, we are proposed to run a Compulsory Redundancy Programme for salaried and hourly employees and through a business review has identified 109 hourly positions and 26 salaried positions at risk of compulsory redundancy.

“However, to reduce the number of or mitigate the need to make compulsory redundancies, we are opening up a voluntary redundancy programme.”

Trade Unions and workers representatives have been informed of the job cuts with employees set to be spoken to next week.

The Ayr Advertiser have contacted GE Caledonian for a comment.