WORKERS at the huge DLO complex south west of Andover face an uncertain autumn after an announcement that the DLO wants to shed 2,950 posts by 2008 and might move to Abbey Wood, Bristol to achieve cost savings.

MP Sir George Young has been sent a written reply about the future of the DLO from armed forces minister Adam Ingram.

"I am obviously concerned to learn of the possible loss of jobs at the DLO in Andover - the town's largest employer," said Sir George.

"There has been significant investment recently on the site, and I hope that will be put to good use and not simply vacated.

"I am seeking a meeting with Sir Malcolm Pledger (DLO chief) to get more details of what is planned."

There has been considerable speculation in recent weeks in Wiltshire that the DLO might vacate the Andover site with other personnel transferred to Andover from Land Command in Wilton and the Army's Upavon base.

The uncertainty follows an announcement in the House of Commons by defence minister Geoff Hoon which included a commitment to provide best value for money for the taxpayer.

"Based on the work done so far, we estimate we could save up to 950 posts across the DLO by changing working practices in these functions by April 2005 and at least a further 2,000 posts by 2008," said Mr Ingram in his letter

"However, until further work is completed it is not possible to be definitive as to what the precise impact on people will be, how post reductions might be managed or how this might specifically affect DLO employees or posts within your constituency."

Trades unions have been consulted.

"I do understand the uncertainty that this announcement has created amongst the people who work within the DLO and we will keep staff aware of developments and inform them how they will be affected personally as soon as we can."

Meanwhile up to 60 jobs may have to go at the Ludgershall-based Medical Supplies Agency following a review of the services provided to the armed forces by its support and procurement arms.

Trades unions have already been consulted about the changes as has local MP Michael Ancram who was been pressing ministers for information and has described the outcome as 'very disappointing'.

The review of the service considered changing the MSA to a sourcing and transactional organisation with its current storage and distribution functions outsourced through other agencies.

A number of MSA facilities will close as a result of the change, which has produced the potential for 60 job losses. "The significant majority of these would fall at Ludgershall," said armed forces minister Adam Ingram in a letter to Mr Ancram.

First redundancies are expected to occur around December 2004.