'Horrible thing' as Luton-based airline easyJet announces thousands of jobs to be axed

The Luton-based carrier has announced it intends to cut its staff by up to 30%, echoing similar moves by Ryanair and British Airways.

The job cuts will be felt worldwide across the company's workforce.

Chief executive, Johan Lundgren, told reporters: "It's a horrible thing. easyJet is built on absolutely fantastic people, and clearly this is going to have an impact on some of those.

"But we do it to make sure that easyJet not only survives through this period, but also comes out of this as a strong and competitive company."

He added that the coronavirus pandemic is "the worst crisis" that the industry has ever been faced with.

easyJet will restart flying on June 15 but does not expect demand to return to 2019 levels until 2023.

Mr Lundgren also voiced doubts about the UK's 14-day quarantine period for international arrivals which comes into effect on June 8.

He said: "While you see restrictions and the few examples of quarantine that exist around Europe today are being lifted and relaxed, the UK is going the other way."

Luton's two MPs have voiced their concerns over the job losses.

Luton North MP Sarah Owen said: “This is absolutely devastating news for easyJet staff. They have endured a lot already during this pandemic, with cuts to their pay while stepping up to help others get through the crisis, as cabin crew were redeployed to health centres.

"I am seeking urgent meetings with easyJet bosses and the trade unions.

“I would urge those who are union members to speak with their reps as soon as they can. My team and I will be there to help individual cases in any way possible.

“We always feared the pandemic’s impact would be far greater than just the health of the nation but the severe local economic impact on families and workers in Luton requires urgent support from the government and that is what I will continue to fight for.”

Luton South MP Rachel Hopkins added: "Today’s announcement will have a dramatic impact on local jobs, Luton’s economy and the future of the aviation sector. I firmly believe that no one should be made redundant during a global health epidemic.

"easyJet's announcement reaffirms that the government’s general economic support package has failed to protect the aviation sector and prevent rising unemployment.

"The government’s reliance on the market during this pandemic has allowed companies to respond to the economic downturn by prioritising profits over people. Companies have accepted coronavirus-related support and still cut jobs. A specific government aviation package, attached to social expectations and green commitments, could protect jobs, the UK supply chain and the future of the industry."