Proposed job cuts at Stansted and Southend latest blow for airport workers

Stobart Aviation Services is proposing to cut up to 98 workers from Stansted Airport ground crew and 94 for from Southend.

The cuts would mainly impact baggage handlers and works out at 67% and 61% of the work force at the respected airports.

Proposals also include Manchester airport.

According to Unite, it is most likely linked to the proposed end of the government furlough scheme, which will finish at the end of October.

It's prompted the union to call on the government to provide more support for the sector.

Unite national officer for civil air transport Oliver Richardson said: "The proposed job losses at Stobart Aviation are yet another example of why the sector needs specific support from the government.

"Time and again we warned that this would happen. Aviation workers and this sector feel abandoned by this government.

"With the JRS scheduled to end next month, companies feel they are on a cliff edge and with passenger numbers not likely to begin to recover until next year at the earliest many feel pushed into making dramatic job cuts.

"The chancellor originally promised specific support for the aviation sector back in March and the failure to deliver on that promise has already cost thousands of workers their jobs.

"We urge him to delay not a day longer and bring forward the promised support so that more workers are not sent to the dole queue.

"Unite will ensure that our members at Stobart Aviation Services who face a highly stressful and worrying time are treated fairly."

Unite says it will go into negotiations with Stobart Aviation to try and keep the job losses to a minimum where possible, and to ensure the redundancy process is fair.

They're calling on the government, along with other unions, to take measures including:

• The extension of, and modifications to, the coronavirus job retention scheme to protect employment in the aviation sector.
• Suspension of air passenger duty.
• Public service obligation routes to ensure regional connectivity.
• Business rate relief for airports (as in Scotland and Northern Ireland).
• Extending the period of repayment of loans to aviation companies beyond the current two year maximum.

Greatest Hits Radio has contacted Stobart Aviation Services for comment.