Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has warned the drop in
passenger demand caused by the outbreak of Covid-19 could lead to job cuts as
it set out its plans to mitigate the financial impact of the situation.
Steps being discussed with workers and unions include
enforced annual leave, reduced working hours, temporary pay cuts and temporary lay-offs.
The group, which owns Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands
airports, has implemented executive pay cuts “with immediate effect”, as well
as frozen recruitment and paused capital expenditure.
MAG said its “aim will always be to protect jobs wherever
possible”.
CEO Charlie Cornish commented: “Over the past decades, the
aviation industry has been on of the country’s success stories. We provide
vital services to the economy and to regions dependent on air connectivity.
Aviation is also essential to some of our most important industries and in
forging trading relationships.
“I am in no doubt that this outbreak is the greatest threat
the UK’s travel sector has ever faced. Government needs to take decisive action
now to make clear its total and unwavering support for airports, airlines and other
travel companies.”