British Airways, is set to suspend about 36,000 of its employees due to the global effects of the coronavirus outbreak.
The International Airlines Group (IAG) (IAG)-owned company already parked 140 out of its 277 aircraft, according to planespotters.net data. It is looking to further reduce costs and it is expected that British Airways would announce the suspension of 36,000 staff, reported the BBC on April 2, 2020.
The announcement would follow week-long discussions with Unite, a British Airways employee union. Up to 80% of flight attendants, ground handlers, engineers and office staff are expected to be affected by the suspension. London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and London City Airport (LCY)-based employees would certainly be affected, indicated the report, as British Airways suspended its operations in LGW, while LCY suspended operations as an airport from March 25, 2020.
The affected employees would be covered by the British government’s coronavirus job retention scheme and would retain 80% of their wages, up to $3,000 (£2,500) per month.