Unite can confirm that it was summoned yesterday Monday 3rd October by the Ministry of Defence to attend a meeting at the Tower HM Naval Base and was issued with a consultation document whereby the Command intends to deliver a new operating model for British Forces Gibraltar.

"We are saddened and dismayed by the fact that the MOD intends to reduce the Civilian Workforce through an early release voluntary scheme, and as a result reducing current manning levels at this uncertain time with Brexit looming at our door step, which places further strain on Gibraltar’s economy.

We have called for an emergency Branch and Shop Stewards meeting for this coming Wednesday to study the relevant documentation.

We understand that the MoD will today be outlining their plans to the workforce at an already planned town hall meetings. Unite will have a presence in said town halls in support of our members.

This rationalisation by the MoD comes after a 10 year stability of employment (no redundancies) through the Global Agreement. However, this period has also seen the implementation by U.K. Government of austerity measures which have impacted the locally entered civilians who have been hit with 10 years of pay freezes and pay restraints impacting negatively on ordinary working class people."