Norfolk, Va. - BAE Systems has announced they will be laying off 650 employees as part of a workforce reduction in staff at their Norfolk shipyard location.

The layoffs, effective November 20th, are in response to a reduced demand for Navy repair services and the reduction of Navy ships homeported in Norfolk, along with the delay of several modernization programs.

The shipyard employs about 1,500 employees total, meaning about 4 of every 10 employees will lose their jobs.

Statement from BAE Systems on the layoffs

In the announcement, BAE said the reduction will enable the shipyard to respond to the reduced demand for ship repair services in the near term, while preserving as many jobs as possible for anticipated future work.

"BAE Systems greatly appreciates the hard work and dedication of the employees who are impacted by this difficult decision."

Stay with NewsChannel 3 for updates.

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