By James Simons-
British Airways is due to suspend around 36,000 staff following huge cash losses in the wake of the coronavirus.
Several flight cancellations and refunds to millions whose travel arrangements were disrupted by the global virusthat has so far killed thousands around the world has forced the airlines to take the special measures. Over the next three months, the International Air Transport Association expects airlines to rack up losses of almost $40bn (£32.3bn)
The airline, which grounded much of its fleet due to the coronavirus crisis, has been negotiating with the Unite union for more than a week. They are yet to conclude a deal. The implication of the agreement is that up to 80% of BA cabin crew, ground staff, engineers and those working at head office will have their jobs suspended but no staff are expected to be made redundant.
Some of those affected are to have some of their wages through the government’s coronavirus job retention scheme, which covers 80% of someone’s salary capped at a maximum of £2,500 a month.
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