CONCERN is mounting over the future of shipbuilding on the Clyde after it emerged that BAE Systems plans to cut 1000 jobs and could close either its Govan or Scotstoun yards.

Finance Secretary John Swinney last night led calls for the firm and the UK Government to end the uncertainty for 3,200 workers in Scotland, along with a further 1,200 at BAE's Portsmouth yard.

The company is widely expected to announce the results of its maritime defence review tomorrow. Defence Secretary Philip Hammond is also due to make a statement to MPs on the situation.

Fears that Govan is being lined up for closure rose after it was revealed at the weekend that five redundant cranes at the yard are to be decommissioned. BAE said this is unrelated to the review, insisting the cranes are "no longer fit for purpose".

However, it is understood that the UK Government believes that the shipyard will remain open. A senior Coalition source said that ministers were "working hard for Scotland within the UK".

He added: "The best future for these shipyards is with Scotland being part of the UK".

The Ministry of Defence refused to comment. Aides to Shadow Scottish Secretary Margaret Curran revealed she is seeking urgent talks with the UK Government and BAE.

There are currently 3,200 people employed by the company across Govan and Scotstoun with another 1,200 employed in shipbuilding at Portsmouth.

BAE has been casting its eye over its shipbuilding operations across the country for months. Govan has no more orders on its books once work is completed on two aircraft carriers.

There are hopes that more work will come in the form of orders for the Type 26 Global Combat Ship in the coming years, but yesterday's reports appeared to catch both politicians and unions unawares.

Mr Swinney said: "We have been in dialogue for some time with BAE Systems on the issues surrounding the future of the Clyde shipyards.

"We are awaiting the outcome of BAE's discussions with the Ministry of Defence and are very alert to the situation concerning both yards.

"We are seeking urgent clarity on the future for both Govan and Scotstoun."

A BAE spokeswoman said: "We continue to work closely with the Ministry of Defence to explore all possible options to determine how best to sustain the capability to deliver complex warships in the UK in the future.

"This work is ongoing and we are committed to keeping our employees and trade unions informed as it progresses."

Jim Moohan, Chairman of the Confederation of Shipbuilding & Engineering Unions and GMB Scotland Senior Organiser, said there has been speculation about job losses over the last few weeks, but added: "What price that will be in numbers, I do not know."

He said: "The speculation will not cease until the MoD come out at the end of this week, hopefully, and announce what their programme is to restructure the whole operation.

"There are things afoot which will become more clear at the end of the week.

"Where those job losses will be remains to be seen but I think we're wise enough to know that there will be a sting in the tail."

On the feelings of workers, Mr Moohan said: "There's a mood of reality that there's something in the wind and it's been there for some time. They're waiting to hear a clear picture of their long term future.

"What we'd be hoping for is that a programme for shipbuilding, Clydeside and UK, is long-lasting and with a long-term future because we've now come to the position where we really can't cut the cloth any further. We have to keep a viable shipbuilding unit within Clydeside and within shipbuilding UK."

David Hulse, GMB national officer and chairman of the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Union's

shipbuilding national committee, said would be holding talks with the company.

He said: "We have arranged a two-day meeting with the company at Farnborough next Monday and Tuesday that will be attended by officers and shop stewards from all the yards and all the unions. This meeting will examine in detail the business case and all aspects for scheduling work in the yards to complete building the carriers, starting work on the Type 26 ships and any other work.

Labour's Scottish leader Johann Lamont, said: "Everything must be done to ensure shipbuilding on the Clyde continues.

"The UK Government is the Clyde's biggest customer and I will be seeking urgent talks to make sure that continues. Govan is in my constituency and also within the hearts of every Scot who cares about Scottish industry. This will be particularly worrying time for the workforce and their families but I will work with anyone to make sure we can keep these jobs."

Scottish Conservative leader and Glasgow MSP Ruth Davidson said: "The current speculation over shipyard jobs is unhelpful and destabilising.

"BAE's shipbuilders on the Clyde are a highly professional, motivated and loyal workforce and they deserve clear answers from the company."