Overtime alone will not be solution to airport chaos

Prospect has responded to further cancellations at London Gatwick airport and suggestions problems can be addressed through more overtime.

Mike Clancy, Prospect General Secretary:

“It has been clear for sometime that Gatwick’s planned schedule is unsustainable given the number of staff available to the airport and airlines, particularly in ground handling.

“This crisis in staffing across the industry has been caused by making too many staff redundant and failing to make the industry attractive enough for people to return. Gatwick compounded the problem with a two year pay freeze in 2020.

“Suggestions that more overtime can provide the solution are wide of the mark. Many staff are already doing large amounts of overtime, and in safety critical roles there are strict limits on the amount of hours that can be worked.”