Question is are we likely to 'fall out' with other countries that produce helicopters (often better quality and cheaper)?
Most helicopter manufacturers which we are likely court in the near and distant future are either based in mainland Europe or the US. One is a part of the world that we are tied to in far more than just purchasing military equipment and the other is a country with which we have had (and no doubt will for many years to come) have a 'special relationship' with.
Of course if we fall out with those two (very unlikely) then there is always the Russians. They will sell weapons to anyone.
The 2nd question is whether the risk of falling out with one of these other helicopter producing nations/states is great enough for us to need to continue to subsidise our own single (seemingly preferred choice no matter how crap the product) helicopter producer.
Yes its unfortunate that 800 people could loose their jobs but I didn't hear many people bemoaning the loss of jobs at many other military equipment suppliers, such as ammunition and small arms manufacturers, many of which closed with far greater job losses.