Unite, the UK and Ireland’s largest union, has ensured that over 30 of its members employed as cabin crew by Stobart Air will now be furloughed.

Earlier this month Unite reported how the affected workers were facing the prospect of at least four weeks of unpaid leave as Stobart Air, which provides cabin crew for Aer Lingus’,regional services operating from Southend Airport, had declined to place its workforce on the government’s furlough scheme.

Stobart Air had declined to implement the government’s job retention scheme citing “cashflow issues”.

However, following Unite’s intervention, Stobart Air has now confirmed the workers will be furloughed although the initial furlough payment will be delayed until the company has received funding for the scheme from the government.

Unite regional officer Jo Jaques said: “Our members are hugely relieved that Stobart Air has agreed to do the right thing and is now furloughing its workforce.

 “Without Unite’s intervention these workers would have been left in poverty with little opportunity to find alternative work.

 “This decision underlines the value of being a member of Unite.

 “It is hoped that following this agreement Unite can now work constructively with Stobart Air on future industrial relations matters in the best interests of the workforce.”