Coronavirus: Manchester airport staff face uncertain future

The fallout from the Coronavirus crisis continues to hit business hard, and now Manchester Airport chiefs have been forced to impose temporary pay cuts and lay-offs on its staff, many of whom live in Oldham.

Travel restrictions and a slump in demand due to the coronavirus have forced airlines to cancel most flights.

Virgin Atlantic will cut four-fifths of its flights and has asked staff to take eight weeks of unpaid leave.

Ryanair and EasyJet are grounding most of their fleets, while BA owner IAG is to cut capacity by 75%.

Norwegian Air has cancelled thousands of flights and will temporarily lay off more than 7,500 staff.

Holiday company Tui has said it will suspend the "majority" of its operations, affecting "package travel, cruises and hotel" bookings.

Passenger numbers and bookings have plummeted in recent weeks as countries closed their borders and holiday makers cancelled trips.

Charlie Cornish, the Chief Executive Officer, has laid out some of the Manchester Airport Group’s plans today (Tuesday).

Mr Cornish (pictured below) said: “The COVID-19 outbreak has led to a rapid and unprecedented reduction in demand for air travel in and out of the UK, and MAG airports are seeing much lower passenger numbers as a result.

“We expect demand to return as the COVID-19 peak passes, but this temporary and dramatic downturn requires us to act now to protect our position at this critical time.

“Over the next few days we will be consulting with our colleagues and unions and introducing measures to reduce our costs and preserve the Group’s resources at this critical time.

“These will include enforced annual leave, reduced working hours, temporary pay cuts and temporary lay-offs.

“Our Executive team is taking a pay cut with immediate effect and we have frozen recruitment and paused capital expenditure.

“These are difficult decisions for MAG and they have not been taken lightly.

“We recognise the impact they will have on our people and we will be consulting with our colleagues.

“Our aim will always be to protect jobs wherever possible, and we need to take these steps now to ensure the company’s future. 

“It is too early to predict with any accuracy the long-term effects of this crisis.

“We are seeing many of our airlines and supply chain partners make similar announcements and we are doing what we need to do in the face of an unpredictable and fast-moving situation.

 “I am in no doubt that this outbreak is the greatest threat the UK’s travel sector has ever faced.

“Government needs to take decisive action now to make clear its total and unwavering support for airports, airlines and other travel companies.

“The UK depends on air travel to supports its economy.

“The Government must stand behind the aviation industry to make sure it is still there and ready to help the economy recover once this is all over. 

“We will continue to monitor the situation and make further announcements on MAG’s operations as the COVID-19 situation develops.”

BREAKING at 12.45pm: The Government has advised against all but essential travel outside the UK for 30 days.

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