AIRBUS is to create up to 400 new jobs in Easter Compton, according to union leaders.

Last month it was revealed the aircraft giant was planning to move some of its work out of Filton, but it has been confirmed this week that the transfer of the A350 composite capability, a new generation of wing, would mean new jobs.

Mark Thomas, UNITE union works convener, said: "The Filton trade unions attended a positive and constructive meeting with senior GKN management on July 16 and can confirm that we are now in a position to support the GKN proposal for the purchase of Filton operations with the A350 facility being located at Easter Compton.

"Our decision to support this process is based around the commitments that we have been given for further investment/work packages that will be placed into both the Filton and Easter Compton facilities.

"When the aircraft is in full production we can expect there to be 300 to 400 jobs and that is on top of what we have at the moment.

"We had a few negative concerns a few weeks ago because we believed that Filton was being run down, but now we have been given reassurances that the two sites will grow in tandem."

Airbus has been in discussions with GKN, a British company, which wants to invest in the new generation wing technology, for 18 months and it is this new company which will finance the move to Gazeley Park, formerly known as the Western Approach Distribution Park, near Easter Compton.

GKN said in a statement: "Negotiations between Airbus and GKN for the sale of the Filton Operations continue to make good progress.

"Associated A350XWB package negotiations also continue to make good progress.

"Given the complexity of both the sale of Filton Operations and the award of associated A350XWB packages, it is difficult to predict when a conclusion may be reached.

"However, both parties remain optimistic of an early conclusion."

Northavon MP Steve Webb said: "I think the key thing here is that there has been a lot of anxiety for the Airbus workforce about the company cutting jobs across Europe, but this is a sign of commitment to South Gloucestershire and using the skills we have here.

"This is unreserved good news. Airbus is such a major employer, not just directly but for the companies that supply them."