Heathrow job threats 'undermine confidence in aviation' – union

Unite says Heathrow is planning to "fire and rehire" in excess of 1,000 workers on lower pay and poorer conditions after the airport confirmed on Wednesday (2 September) it had entered into formal consultation period with staff.

The union said talks with Heathrow revealed it planned to cut pay by up to 24% for some workers, adjust allowances and conditions, and close the company’s pension scheme.

Unite is currently putting the proposals to its members in a consultative ballot.

Heathrow said its final offer was informed by feedback from its negotiations with Unite over the past four months.

The airport added that with air travel "showing little sign of recovery", discussions could not go on indefinitely. "We must act now to prevent our situation from worsening," said Heathrow.