Unite the union, which represents over 65,000 workers in civil aviation, has reiterated its call for the government to develop specific financial support for the aviation sector following the announcement today (Wednesday 13 May) that travel operator TUI is set to cut 8, 000 jobs worldwide.

Unite assistant general secretary Diana Holland said: “The announcement from TUI underlines that globally all aviation and travel operators are under severe pressure.

“TUI is the latest company to announce potential job losses and restructuring proposals.

“The announcement of the extension of the job retention scheme was a vital lifeline for the aviation sector and we urge employers like TUI to use this as a time to support jobs.  

“The government must also now bring forward a plan for specific support for aviation in the UK if the sector is going to survive in any meaningful form.

“Governments across Europe and globally are providing support for their aviation sectors but the UK government is yet to act, threatening jobs, airlines and airports.

“Unite has developed a blueprint setting out how the government should intervene in the aviation sector to ensure it survives which will protect jobs, preserve regional connectivity and boost environmental standards in the short, medium and long-term.

“As an island nation, aviation is essential for our work, trade and travel and hundreds of thousands of jobs are reliant on it.”