Post by Libby on Feb 12, 2009 15:34:47 GMT
news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Virgin-Atlantic-And-Ryanair-Cut-Jobs-As-Recession-Hits/Article/200902215221758?lpos=Business_Top_Stories_Header_2&lid=ARTICLE_15221758_Virgin_Atlantic_And_Ryanair_Cut_Jobs_As_Recession_Hits
Airline Virgin Atlantic says it could cut 600 jobs - the warning comes on the same day Ryanair said it was shedding 200 positions.
Sir Richard Branson's Virgin said it was consulting with staff about the "possibility" of slashing 600 workers from the company's 8,500-workforce.
"We are keeping our staff fully informed and will be working closely with staff and union representatives in order to find ways to protect as many jobs as possible and avoid compulsory redundancies," a spokesman said.
Chief executive Steve Ridgway added: "With falling demand for travel, airlines have to reduce their costs through a variety of measures including cutting capacity, freezing pay, unpaid leave and, regrettably, adjusting staff numbers."
On a bad day for the airline industry, Ryanair said it was cutting 200 jobs.
Blaming the Government's tourist tax, the company said it would take four aircraft out its Dublin base and dramatically reduce the number of flights this summer.
The job losses will be among pilots, cabin crew and engineers.
Ryanair chief Micheal O'Leary said: "This Government must realise you can only promote tourism by welcoming visitors, not taxing them."
Last week, the airline announced 100 job cuts at its Shannon base in the west of Ireland and also warned the knock-on effect could see another 700 support staff axed.
Airline Virgin Atlantic says it could cut 600 jobs - the warning comes on the same day Ryanair said it was shedding 200 positions.
Sir Richard Branson's Virgin said it was consulting with staff about the "possibility" of slashing 600 workers from the company's 8,500-workforce.
"We are keeping our staff fully informed and will be working closely with staff and union representatives in order to find ways to protect as many jobs as possible and avoid compulsory redundancies," a spokesman said.
Chief executive Steve Ridgway added: "With falling demand for travel, airlines have to reduce their costs through a variety of measures including cutting capacity, freezing pay, unpaid leave and, regrettably, adjusting staff numbers."
On a bad day for the airline industry, Ryanair said it was cutting 200 jobs.
Blaming the Government's tourist tax, the company said it would take four aircraft out its Dublin base and dramatically reduce the number of flights this summer.
The job losses will be among pilots, cabin crew and engineers.
Ryanair chief Micheal O'Leary said: "This Government must realise you can only promote tourism by welcoming visitors, not taxing them."
Last week, the airline announced 100 job cuts at its Shannon base in the west of Ireland and also warned the knock-on effect could see another 700 support staff axed.
