Gatwick cuts 200 jobs; bosses take 20% pay cut

With easyJet, British Airways, Norwegian Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Tui all cutting operations back during the Covid-19 pandemic, Gatwick has responded with its own measures to tackle decreased numbers during the coronavirus crisis.

The leadership team, including chief executive Stewart Wingate, will take a 20% salary cut and waive any bonus for the current financial year.

It is also deferring spending on its investment programme, making 200 people on temporary fixed-term contracts redundant and consulting with other employees about unpaid leave.

“Gatwick is a resilient business, but the world has changed dramatically in recent weeks, and we have been forced to take rapid, decisive action to ensure that the airport is in a strong position to recover from a significant fall in passenger numbers,” said Stewart Wingate, Gatwick’s chief executive.

“We must all play our part in helping the airport recover and both myself and our executive board will take a significant pay cut to help reduce costs.

“We also very much regret having to make this difficult decision to reduce our staff numbers and I would like to thank everyone for the contribution they made to the business.”

He added decreased passenger numbers are not likely to disappear and “other serious measures” may have to be taken.