Fears over jobs at Aberdeen Airport as Loganair starts talks with staff

A union claims almost 50 Loganair jobs could be at risk at Aberdeen Airport.

The airline says it has begun consultations with staff as the impact of Covid-19 continues to hit the airline industry hard.

Although it says it wants to avoid having to let workers go, the firm says it cannot rule out job losses.

Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair chief executive, said: "The latest round of Covid-related lockdowns and restrictions UK-wide has led to the recovery from the pandemic being later, and slower, than could reasonably have been expected three months ago. 

"The impact of this has been felt throughout the economy, but particularly acutely in the aviation sector. The government’s extended furlough programme is helpful in cushioning the impact over the coming winter, but we are mindful that a recovery next year is uncertain. 

"We’ve therefore started formal consultations with our employee groups around what options are open to us should the recovery for which we all hope either fail to materialise or take longer to come through.

"Discussions at an early stage, and both we and our employee groups are keen to avoid the need for any further redundancies in Loganair, albeit unfortunately we cannot absolutely rule out that possibility."

Unite Scotland says 165 jobs are at risk across Scotland, including 49 out of 153 positions at Aberdeen.

Pat McIlvogue, Unite industrial officer, said: "The news of a further 165 jobs potentially at immediate risk in addition to the 100 jobs which Loganair has already served notice on is absolutely shattering.

"But we believe that by working together we can mitigate the need for compulsory redundancies if we have positive engagement with Loganair.

"It’s essential that we explore and utilise all of the levers available to save jobs including the extension of the job retention scheme. Unite has repeatedly urged the Scottish Government to give greater support to an industry on life support and this announcement should send shock waves through the transport ministry that far more needs to be done."