NEARLY 2,000 jobs are to be axed at Government defence sites across the country, including some in the North-East, as part of a shake-up of repair services.

Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram yesterday announced cuts across the Defence Aviation Repair Agency (Dara) and the Army Base Repair Organisation (Abro).

As part of the streamlining, 19 of the 150 positions at Abro's base in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, will be axed by 2007, with a further 14 cut by 2010.

The announcement led to the threat of industrial action from unions, which accused the Ministry of Defence of betraying skilled workers and branded the closures an "absolute disgrace".

In total, 1,226 jobs are being cut at Abro by 2010, with 628 lost due to the closure of its armoured vehicle and engine facilities by March 2007.

A spokesman for the MoD said the cuts would enable Abro to become more efficient. He said: "There is a surplus across Abro. The MoD has extremely high standards and, if we can deliver the same or better for less money, then we need to do this."

Mr Ingram also announced 500 job losses with the closure of the Dara site in St Athan, south Wales, where hundreds of jobs have already been lost in the past year.

Its engine maintenance business in Fleetlands, Hampshire, will also close, with 225 jobs lost.

Mr Ingram said: "It is with great regret that I have had to announce job losses at Dara and Abro. Employees at both organisations have provided the MoD with an excellent service over the years.

"We will help to find those involved alternative employment and we will make every effort to use natural turnover and voluntary redundancy. However, a significant number of compulsory redundancies can be expected.