According to the Financial Times, the airport will pay to settle the status of its 350 eligible EU employees to provide workers with peace of mind ahead of Brexit.

This new settled status will allow EU nationals to remain in the UK after 2020, when the UK is currently expected to formally leave the EU.

The airport has agreed to cover all costs of the application process, with a single application costing £65 for those aged 16 and over. This means the company will contribute £22,750 to support its EU employees.

John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow chief executive, said: “Heathrow is an international business and we need a workforce that reflects this. It is critical for us to have diverse, happy and valued colleagues.

“Many of our people are worried about Brexit and this move will provide reassurance and certainty.”

The news from Heathrow on Monday came hours before prime minister Theresa May announced a parliamentary vote on her EU withdrawal agreement.

Addressing the Commons on Monday afternoon though, May confirmed the vote would be deferred due to “widespread and deep concern” over the Northern Irish “backstop”.

Heathrow has also confirmed all supply chain workers will be in receipt of London living wage by 2020, and that its direct workforce will be zero-hour contract free.

The airport, meanwhile, is celebrating welcoming 80 million passengers over the past 12 months for the first time, up two million on last year.