900 job losses feared at Stansted, Manchester and East Midlands airports under cost-cutting plans

LONDON Oct 7: Almost 900 jobs are under threat at three airports under plans to cut costs as a result of the virus crisis. Proposals by the Manchester Airport Group (MAG) could mean the loss of 465 roles at Manchester Airport. Another 376 jobs could be lost at London Stansted and 51 posts at East Midlands Airport, along with adjustments to roster patterns and other employment measures.

The union said the move was a direct consequence of the Government’s “ongoing failure” to provide support to the aviation sector.

MAG said it will begin discussions with unions on proposals to reduce employee costs in response to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, following a 90 per cent reduction in demand for travel through its airports since March compared with the previous year.

A statement said: “In recent weeks, the prospects for a strong recovery over the next 12 months have declined as the virus has re-emerged across the UK and Europe.

“Meanwhile, the absence of dedicated support for the aviation sector, coupled with a lack of progress in introducing testing for UK passengers to date, has continued to undermine consumer confidence in air travel for next year. Overall passenger demand is not expected to recover fully before 2023-24.”

MAG said it had already asked every employee to take a 10 per cent pay cut for a year, reduced the size of its management team, and paused capital investment and non-essential expenditure.