Emirates to make some staff redundant after coronavirus sparked ‘difficult times’ for airline
Spokesperson says it will have to "say goodbye" to some workers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Emirates airline has said it will have to make staff redundant due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A spokesperson confirmed it would have "to say goodbye" to some of its staff, following the economic strain placed on the state-owned business caused by the Covid-19 crisis.
The spokesperson said: “The current pandemic has impacted many industries around the world and although we have endeavoured to sustain the current family as is, we reviewed all possible scenarios in order to sustain our business operations, but have come to the conclusion that we unfortunately have to say goodbye to a few of the wonderful people that worked with us.
The statement stressed that Emirates was "doing everything possible to protect jobs" where possible, adding that it would treat those who it let go with "fairness and respect".
The airline industry has been badly affected by Covid-19, with travel restrictions resulting in a significant drop in demand - leading British Airways (BA) and other airlines to ground most of their flights.
Emirates is not alone in choosing to lay off some of its workforce.
Willie Walsh, the chief executive of IAG, has confirmed that BA will cut up to 12,000 jobs, which amounts to 29 per cent of its staff.
Huw Merriman, chair of the Transport Select Committee, criticised the decision earlier this month, saying that BA had taken advantage of the furlough scheme which was designed to prevent redundancies.
“BA’s loyal staff deserve better than to be treated like this," he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments