EasyJet ‘using sickness records to decide job cuts’

EasyJet has been accused of intending to use pilots’ sickness records when drawing up plans for over 700 job cuts.

The Balpa pilots’ union said it was “unnecessary and wrong”, claiming the airline was risking safety because unwell staff would report for work.

EasyJet said general absenteeism could form part of its assessment, but denied sickness might be a key component.

The airline said it had put forward initial proposals for talks with Balpa which were at a very early stage.

EasyJet is planning 727 pilot redundancies as part of up to 4,500 job cuts and a restructuring that includes closing bases at Stansted, Southend and Newcastle airports.

The airline has blamed the collapse in air travel due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Ahead of the start of formal talks, Balpa said the airline has told pilot representatives it will use sickness as a component in choosing who loses their job.

Brian Strutton, Balpa’s general secretary, called it outrageous. “Flight safety is built on a culture of openness and not fear of repercussions. This is a well understood and fundamental tenet for everyone involved in ensuring our skies are safe.

“It is unnecessary and wrong that easyJet is intending to use sickness as a stick to beat its safety-critical staff. EasyJet has in the past rightly encouraged pilots to report in sick or fatigued if they are unfit to fly - that is in everyone’s best interest.”