A Government Minister has added his support to plans to prevent technology job losses in Malvern. David Willetts, Minister for University and Skills, has written to local MP Harriett Baldwin offering his support to the efforts to prevent job losses at defence contractor QinetiQ. The letter follows a meeting that Harriett held with the Minister to discuss the problems faced by Malvern scientists. The Minister’s letter outlines areas of funding which may become available after the Comprehensive Spending Review is announced next week. He also called for a meeting with QinetiQ bosses to discuss the future of the Malvern site. He renewed his commitment to the site as well as his aims to ‘ensure the technology capability that exists in Malvern is not lost to the UK’. Harriett commented: “I thought our meeting was very productive and I am pleased that the Minister is able to offer such comprehensive support to Malvern and its highly skilled workers. “Unfortunately time is of the essence because of the redundancy consultation period and I hope this will spur QinetiQ on to act quickly and positively.” The company’s Emerging Technology Group has been put up for sale with a number of bidders shortlisted to take over the cutting edge research business arm. She added: “As well as conversations with the Minister, I have gained the support of our local MEP Malcolm Harbour to try and get the best possible result for Malvern and its important technology businesses. “I hope that after the spending review, there will be both Government and matched European funds in place to assist in our efforts and I will be continuing my ongoing discussions with local government leaders to try to pull together all interested parties”