Following the news that British Airways is set to cut up to 12,000 jobs from its 42,000-strong workforce, local MPs have written to the BA Chief to call for an urgent meeting and for more action working with Government and the unions in an attempt to reduce job losses in the local area.

Feltham and Heston MP Seema Malhotra who coordinated the letter said “This announcement will be devastating to British Airways staff across the Borough, many of whom have had a longstanding loyalty to the company and great pride in the organisation.” The letter was also signed by Hounslow, Ealing, Slough and Hillingdon MPs Ruth Cadbury MP, John McDonnell MP, Tan Dhesi MP, Virendra Sharma MP, James Murray MP and Rupa Huq MP.

The MPs go on to say “We understand the effect Covid-19 is having on the aviation industry across the world and have called on the Government to work closely with industry on the complex challenges faced by the aviation sector.”

The letter also called on British Airways to discuss what steps the company were taking in response to the Covid-19 crisis and to hear their perspective on what could assist further nationally or internationally.

They have asked that residents who are concerned that they may be affected get in touch with their MPs who are also raising the matter in Parliament.