Why we sacked 3,150 staff ― Virgin Atlantic

To ensure its future fitness in the face of surviving the effect of the ravaging Coronavirus, the British flag carrier, Virgin Atlantic has announced plans to reshape and resize its business to ensure that it was fit for the future.

While attributing its latest decision to what it called “response to the severe impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the global economy, our nation and the travel and aviation industry”, the VAA management said  it has taken decisive action to reduce costs, preserve cash and to protect as many jobs as possible even as it pledged to continue to explore all available options to obtain additional external funding.

Amongst such decision the airline has taken to remain in business at the end of the pandemic include: the sack of 3,150 workers of the airline across all functions.

According to the airline: “Even in the toughest times, the people of Virgin Atlantic are what sets it apart and decisions taken have been aimed at preserving as many jobs as possible. In order for the airline to emerge from the crisis, regrettably it must reduce the number of people employed and today, the company is announcing a planned reduction of 3,150 jobs across all functions. Working closely with unions and Unite, a company-wide consultation period of 45 days begins today.”

Commenting on the development, Shai Weiss, the CEO, Virgin Atlantic declared: “We have weathered many storms since our first flight 36 years ago, but none has been as devastating as Covid-19 and the associated loss of life and livelihood for so many.

“However, to safeguard our future and emerge a sustainably profitable business, now is the time for further action to reduce our costs, preserve cash and to protect as many jobs as possible. It is crucial that we return to profitability in 2021. This will mean taking steps to reshape and resize Virgin Atlantic in line with demand, while always keeping our people and customers at the heart of all we do.

“I wish it was not the case, but we will have to reduce the number of people we employ. The commitment of our people throughout this crisis has been nothing but amazing, and the embodiment of true Virgin spirit. As we have navigated the Covid-19 crisis, I have been humbled at every step by their solidarity. In times of adversity we must support each other so that ultimately, we can emerge a stronger and better Virgin Atlantic.

 

 

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