Thomson to cut 600 cabin crew

THOMSON Airways has announced plans to layoff around 600 cabin crew.

The firm has said that it is is entering into a 90-day consultation period with cabin crew following a decision to make changes to its airline fleet. It is using bigger aircraft, which will mean fewer flights and a reduced requirement for staff.

Thomson Airways employs around 2,600 cabin crew in the UK. Its main base is at Gatwick Airport, but its next-biggest operational hub is at Manchester Airport where it employs around 650 staff.

Workers’ union Unite has called on the company, which is owned by German travel giant TUI, to offer assurances that no compulsory redundancies will be made.

Regional officer Kevin Hall said: “These cuts are a blow to the workforce during a time of economic uncertainty. Unite will be working constructively with the company and we are confident that we can substantially mitigate the impact of these cuts.

“However, Unite is adamant that compulsory redundancies are out of the question and we expect firm assurances from Thomson Airways that the company will not go down this route.”