EasyJet Sacking 5,000 Staff As It Closes Hubs at Stansted, Southend And Newcastle

easyJet has announced 5,000 job losses after making the decision to close hubs at Stansted, Southend and Newcastle, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The airline made the grim announcement on Tuesday afternoon, adding that the rest of its UK travel network remains "under review".

An easyJet spokesperson said: "As part of our update to the market on 28 May 2020, easyJet set out that it may need to reduce staff numbers by up to 30 per cent as well as optimise its network and bases as a result of the pandemic.

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"easyJet has today started formal consultation on proposals with employee representatives including Balpa and Unite on all of its UK based pilots and crew.

"The proposals include the potential closing of three of its bases in the UK - London Stansted, London Southend and Newcastle. These airports would remain part of easyJet's route network."

easyJet is not expected to reach expected revenue levels following the lockdown until 2023.

They added: "We have also informed all employees who may be directly affected by these proposals and will be providing full support to our people during this difficult time.

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"We are fully committed to work closely with our employee representatives during these consultations with the aim of minimising job losses as far as possible".

As a whole, the air travel industry has taken a huge hit as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and European travel bans.

BA is currently losing as much as £20million a day, while Virgin Atlantic staff were also hit with as many as 3,000 job losses mid-way through the pandemic, also putting 8,000 members of staff on furlough.

"Unfortunately the lower demand environment means we need fewer aircraft and have less opportunity for work for our people," Johan Lundgren, easyJet CEO said.

"These are very difficult proposals to put forward in what is an unprecedented and difficult time for the airline and the industry as a whole.

"We are focused on doing what is right for the company and its long term health and success so we can protect jobs going forward."

Topics: Travel News, Coronavirus, travel, Covid-19

Joanna Freedman

Joanna is a journalist at Tyla with a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches, too. Contact her at [email protected].

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