The aerospace giant dropped the bombshell on Thursday — months after production at their East Kilbride base was transferred there.

It will mean that more than a fifth of its 1000-strong workforce will lose their jobs at the Inchinnan facility.

Local politicians said the decision was a huge blow to the local area.

Renfrewshire Council leader Mark Macmillan said: “The scale of the job losses is very disappointing news.

“Our first thoughts are for the employees affected and their families.” The job cuts have been slated by Unite — Britain’s biggest union — who say the cuts are “unnecessary.” Unite Regional Industrial Officer Debbie Hutchings said: “Unite is dismayed by today’s announcement from Rolls Royce that over 200 jobs are to be cut at its Inchinnan plant.

“We are seeking urgent meetings with the company and we will do everything we can to mitigate these significant cuts and avoid any compulsory redundancies.

“This is also a blow for the wider Scottish economy. We cannot afford to lose 200 skilled aerospace manufacturing jobs in this fragile climate and the Scottish government must intervene to provide every help possible to the local workforce.” A spokesman for the manufacturing plant said on Thursday that the job losses were the result of “challenging market conditions” and a reduced workload at Inchinnan after work was transferred away from the facility.

He added: “Rolls-Royce is today informing staff and employee representatives at its Inchinnan facility of proposals to reduce the workforce at the site.

“A drop in workload due to the completion of a planned transfer of work, and a review of operational effectiveness in some of our supply chain manufacturing operations, has resulted in the proposed reduction.

“Due to challenging market conditions there have been limited opportunities to bring in new work, resulting in a proposed reduction of approximately 200 roles.” Meanwhile, Renfrewshire Council have reassured local workers they will work with other public agencies to support them in the months ahead.

“I am seeking an urgent meeting with the company and am also calling on the Scottish Government to get involved and give all the assistance they can in this situation,” Mr Macmillan continued.

“I note that the company’s aim is for the job losses to be made on a voluntary basis and would urge them to continue that approach.” The company also assured workers it will offer a voluntary severance package and hopes to avoid compulsory redundancies.

Derek MacKay, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, said the announcement was “worrying news” for the workers and their families.

He added: “I have spoken to the Finance Secretary and have been assured that the PACE team will be available to support anyone facing redundancy and that the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise are in contact with Rolls Royce.

“The Rolls Royce plant at Inchinnan has been a real success story for the area and I will be looking to meet the management as soon as possible to discuss their continued presence in the area.” Have you been affected by this story?

If so get in touch with our reporter Lisa Boyle today by phoning 0141 435 8856 or email lboyle@cfpress.co.uk