Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • BA accesses UK COVID-19 Job Retention Scheme

Aerospace

BA accesses UK COVID-19 Job Retention Scheme

As a result of the significant decline n flying, British Airways is making use of the UK’s COVID-19 Job Retention Scheme to help UK-based employees placed on furlough.

Above: A BA A350.
Courtesy British Airways / photo Nick Morrish

Yesterday it reached agreement with trade unions, GMB and Unite, to apply this scheme to more than 30,000 cabin crew and ground-based employees in April and May. Under this scheme, furloughed employees will receive 80% of their base pay and of certain allowances. This agreement is subject to union ratification.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

British Airways has also reached agreement with its 4,000 pilots to take four weeks of unpaid leave in April and May.

On 16th March 2020, BA's parent company, IAG, announced that it would reduce capacity, expressed in terms of available seat kilometres, by at least 75 per cent in April and May compared to the same period in 2019. In recent weeks, IAG’s airlines have been helping to repatriate customers throughout the world and to conduct cargo flights delivering vital medical equipment and supplies, food and other products to combat COVID-19 and keep global supply chains moving.

Following a review, IAG has decided to reduce capacity further to an approximately 90% reduction in April and May compared to last year.

IAG’s other airlines have received support from similar job retention and wage support schemes for more than 17,000 employees in Spain and are seeking similar support in Ireland.

GMB says the announcement of furlough for more than 30,000 British Airways workers is a ‘relief’

Nadine Houghton, GMB National Officer said: “GMB members working for BA are relieved to finally have some certainty after what has been an extremely worrying time.

"GMB was at the forefront of campaigning for the people’s bailout package which has formed the basis of ongoing negotiations with BA.

“GMB and our sister union Unite have fought hard to secure members terms, conditions and job security.  We believe the current deal secures this including guarantees of 80% of pay whilst furloughed, protection of terms and conditions and a 'pause' on the current redundancy consultation.

Advertisement
Leonardo RT

“But there are significant challenges for the aviation industry and whilst this current deal gives security for BA staff now, the Government can’t take its eye off the ball.  

“GMB is calling for more Government intervention to protect the livelihoods of many more workers across the sector.”

 

 

 

Advertisement
PTC PTC
Stansted unveils new brand

Aerospace

Stansted unveils new brand

4 July 2025

London Stansted Airport has unveiled a new brand as it continues to welcome record-breaking passenger numbers and progresses plans to increase capacity and transform the airport experience.

RTX

Aerospace

RTX's Collins Aerospace opens Wolverhampton facility

4 July 2025

RTX's Collins Aerospace has expanded its aircraft electrification capabilities with the introduction of a new engineering centre of excellence in Wolverhampton, UK.

Serco appoints Keith Williams as Chair

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Serco appoints Keith Williams as Chair

4 July 2025

Serco has appointed Keith Williams to the Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair designate.

Bristol Airport launches Supply Chain Sustainability Charter

Aerospace

Bristol Airport launches Supply Chain Sustainability Charter

4 July 2025

Bristol Airport has announced the launch of a new Supply Chain Sustainability Charter, designed to inspire and support more sustainable practices across its business supply chain.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Vertical Aerospace and Bristow expand AAM solutions

Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace and Bristow expand AAM solutions

4 July 2025

Vertical Aerospace and Bristow are expanding their strategic partnership to bring advanced air mobility (AAM) into commercial operation.

Airframe Designs aligns with US NCAMP standards

Aerospace Defence Security

Airframe Designs aligns with US NCAMP standards

3 July 2025

Airframe Designs has aligned its material systems with the US National Centre for Advanced Materials Performance (NCAMP) which works with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and industry partners to support its existing testing processes.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025