Pub operator JD Wetherspoon to cut 400-450 airport jobs

Up to 1,000 people employed at pubs in Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow

British prime minister Boris Johnson and JD Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin. Photograph: Henry Nicholls/Reuters
British prime minister Boris Johnson and JD Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin. Photograph: Henry Nicholls/Reuters

British pub operator JD Wetherspoon said on Tuesday it could cut 400-450 jobs at its sites at six airports, including London’s Heathrow and Gatwick, because of the large drop in passengers caused by the impact of Covid-19.

"The company has written to 1,000 people employed in its pubs at six airports [Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow] to inform them that a possible 400-450 positions are at risk of redundancy," chief executive John Hutson said.

“The decision is mainly a result of a downturn in trade in these pubs, linked with the large reduction in passenger numbers using the airports.”

Less than two months ago the company announced that it was planning to make 110-130 head office workers redundant.

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“Wetherspoon is proposing to collectively consult with employees through an employment representative committee, which will be established for this purpose,” Mr Hutson added.

- Reuters, Bloomberg