MP urges airline to retain jobs

AIRLINE bosses are being urged to steer clear of redundancies among crews at Edinburgh airport.

Edinburgh North & Leith Labour MP, Mark Lazarowicz, has written to Willie Walsh, chief executive of British Airways’ parent firm International Airlines Group (IAG), calling on the company to avoid Edinburgh redundancies after its takeover of rival airline BMI.

Mr Lazarowicz said up to 114 cabin crew based at Edinburgh, Manchester, Belfast and Birmingham were threatened with redundancy, together with around 20 engineers.

He said: “Some of the staff have been with BMI for a number of years and given excellent service to the company. Redundancy would be poor reward for their loyalty and hard work. Relocation to London would not be easy for people who have family and personal commitments here.

“Fears have been expressed that the main attraction of the takeover has been the slots at Heathrow that IAG would gain but it should also look on the staff as an important asset to help them grow their business.”