I think the company has been a bit hasty

Phil Goold Factory worker

But the company says the terrorist attacks and slump in passenger confidence they precipitated have made redundancies unavoidable.

Workers here understand this but it does not lessen their anxiety. Clocking off after the early shift is Phil Goold, who has worked at the plant for more than 30 years.

"It's very upsetting," he says. "People are losing their jobs. I think the company has been a bit hasty. They've got to keep the City happy, haven't they?"

I know it's all down to the world situation, but I am concerned for myself

Balbir Pabla Assembly-line worker

A breakdown of where the jobs are to be lost has yet to be announced officially. But it is thought that half, about 1,900, will go at Derby.

Balbir Pabla, 46, is genuinely worried. He has been at Rolls-Royce for four years as an assembly-line worker, making propellers for aero-engines.

"I feel terrible," he says. "But what can you do? I know it's all down to the world situation, but I am concerned for myself. I'm one of the last ones in, and I could be one of the first out."

Workers at Rolls-Royce plants in Scotland, Lancashire and Wearside may also face redundancy. Shop stewards are briefing employees on Friday afternoon, although the full details may not be known for several days.

Mick Lomax, who represents 4,500 members of the manufacturing, science and finance union in Derby, admits he feared the numbers would have been higher.

"But it's still a huge blow," he says. "In a city like Derby, so dependent on manufacturing, it makes everyone look over their shoulder."