The union said Heathrow should change course after the government on Thursday (24 September) announced its new Job Support Scheme, which will replace the furlough scheme at the end of October.

According to Unite, Heathrow’s plans – detailed in a Section 188 notice – could result in more than 4,000 directly employed workers being dismissed and offered re-employment on reduced terms.

Affected workers include security officers, engineers and firefighters.

Unite says it has put forward proposals for the airport to save cash without cutting pay.

Unite regional co-ordinating officer Wayne King said: “Heathrow has a moral duty to halt its plans to fire and rehire thousands of loyal and dedicated workers.

“With the announcement of the chancellor’s job support scheme, the cliff edge of the ending of the job retention (furlough) scheme has been avoided. The section 188 notices should be immediately withdrawn.”

TTG has approached Heathrow for comment.