The industrial group Rolls-Royce is to cut 9,000 jobs, almost a fifth of its workforce, as the coronavirus crisis takes its toll on the aviation industry.
The firm, which makes engines for planes, said the reduction of nearly a fifth of its workforce would mainly affect its civil aerospace division.
The bulk of the job cuts are expected to be in the UK.
Rolls-Royce employs 52,000 people globally and Mr East told the BBC’s Today programme the company had not yet concluded on “exactly” where the job losses would be, due to having to consult with unions.
