Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to help (a) increase employment and (b) protect jobs in surface fleet maintenance support at His Majesty's Naval Base, Portsmouth.

The Naval Support Integrated Global Network (NSIGN) programme is in its pre-concept stage with plans yet to be matured. No contracts have been tendered or awarded.

NSIGN will be fundamental to safeguarding the future of His Majesty's Naval Base Portsmouth and those at Clyde and Devonport. Maintaining our duty to protect Royal Navy operations and ensuring defence is delivered as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.

A key requirement for the NSIGN programme will be workforce capability and capacity. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) will seek to ensure there is scope to provide improved opportunities for integration, training and conditions across the entire maritime enterprise including the military, civil service and industrial workforce. Service providers under NSIGN will require personnel with similar skills and experience to those currently employed. The MOD will protect the existing workforce by requiring service providers to meet their legal obligations under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) Regulations and by ensuring an orderly transition from the present Future Maritime Support Programme.