The devastating toll the coronavirus pandemic is inflicting on workers at Britain's airports and airlines workers is laid bare tonight.
Research shows unemployment is a third higher in “aviation communities” compared with regional averages. The jobless claimant counts in constituencies which include the UK's five biggest airports – Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Luton and Stansted – have rocketed by an average 35% since March compared with surrounding areas.
Air travel ground to halt in March as the pandemic swept the planet. The industry has struggled to recover amid tight restrictions on international movement.
Shadow Employment Minister Seema Malhotra said: “Aviation is far more than airports and airlines; the sector supports communities