As the Easter holidays approach and holidaymakers seek a sunny escape, many have been met with substantial delays and fears of missed flights due to a lack of staff in some of the UK’s largest and busiest airports, caused by mass redundancies. Nicola Miller, Paralegal in the Jackson Lees Employment Law department, explains where you stand if you believe you’ve been unfairly dismissed from your job or received an inadequate redundancy package.
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What is causing the delays?
Concerning footage has appeared online of standstill queues and utter passport control chaos at London’s Heathrow Airport, Manchester Airport and East Midlands Airport.
The uncertainty of international travel throughout the pandemic has, of course, had a major impact on our airports. The reduced need for airport staff as plane seats remained empty has caused unprecedented levels of redundancies at the UK’s busiest airports.
However, now that holidays abroad are back to normal, why aren’t the airports?
A spokesperson for Manchester Airport suggests that the airport has been struggling to recruit and train new staff to meet the influx of out-bound and in-bound passengers. Following the removal of Covid restrictions in the UK and other popular destinations, travel demand has increased much quicker than many airports expected, resulting in huge queues, delayed flights, and lost luggage.
Unfortunately, the recruitment issues and Covid-related staff absences have made holidaymakers trips more stressful, than stress-free.
What is redundancy?
Redundancy occurs when an employer needs to reduce their workforce and, therefore, members of staff may be let go and offered a redundancy package. According to the Office for National Statistics, redundancies were at a record high during the height of the pandemic.
You cannot be selected for redundancy because of protected characteristics such as your gender, race, religion, disability, sexuality, if you are pregnant, or, with limited exceptions, on the grounds of your age. Therefore, if you feel that you have been discriminated against in the redundancy process, you may have a claim for discrimination or unfair dismissal.
Alternatively, you may be considering whether you have received a fair deal regarding your redundancy package. We will advise you on all relevant aspects of redundancy law in a way that is clear and easy to understand, with the focus on getting the best possible outcome for you and your future. Sometimes this means negotiating an employment settlement agreement, which is best done with an expert by your side.
How Jackson Lees can help
If you have any concerns regarding your redundancy package, or you think that you have been unfairly dismissed or discriminated against, get in touch with our Employment Law experts to find out where you stand. We will provide you with an expert service and excellent client care to ensure you feel supported throughout your legal journey with us.
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