Forum Topic

Staff shortages

I read BA is cancelling another 1000 flights due to staff shortages. Everywhere there seems to be a similar situation. I do not understand why there are so many staff shortages. Some people went back after Brexit but surely not so many as to cause the present situation. Is there a figure for the total number of staff shortages?

Nicholas Beard ● 1538d34 Comments

It appears many workers decided on different careers during and after covid and airlines as one example cannot train replacements quick enough or get the security clearances for the new staff employedTouch wood as someone who uses BA a lot I have yet to have a flight cancelled but I am sure the time will come

Paul Fisher ● 1538d

Because BA in their infinite wisdom decided to make redundant their most experienced workers. Workers who were paid and treated quite poorly. It's that experience that can't be replaced, much to the shock of BA management! I'm in the airline industry but I could have told the bright sparks that there would be an upturn and it would be fast.Protect the shareholders and directors at all costs is at the top of their priorities.

Basil Finnis ● 1538d

However, BA have obviously decided to recoup their lost funds by refusing to return the cost of flights which were cancelled. This has happened to me over a flight to Greece which was cancelled in 2020 because of lockdown. They owe me over £300, and I've been battling with them for over 18 months to get my money back instead of the 'Future Travel' voucher which they've graciously granted me, and which, of course, will expire at some point unless I use it to travel with BA. Presumably, the same thing has happened to many thousands of other people. As far as I'm concerned, it's theft.

Colin Jordan ● 1538d

There are staff shortages in every country  across all sectors and many airlines. No idea why but it is a common challenge.

Jayne Thorburn ● 1538d

There is a large pool of trained staff in nearby airports in other countries. Perhaps we could enter into an arrangement in which workers could move freely between neighbouring  countries so that service interruptions due to staff shortages are rare. This arrangement could apply in other industries and the benefits would be huge. In fact the advantages are so great I'm surprised we never tried it before - can anyone think of a good name for it?

Jeremy Parkinson ● 1538d

Read the thread!

Philippa Bond ● 1538d

When the problems from Brexit became clear, companies such as Easyjet set up European operations (in their case in Austria, I think) so that they could fly EU planes under EU staffing. The rules are simple; if a plane is non-EU designated then it can't be staffed by EU workers. Easyjet pre-empted this and most of its flights are now 'European' (one presumes that the profits go to its Austrian company as well).It seems that BA was slower to address this issue and are now trying leasing EU aircraft so that they can access EU staff. But clearly this is not working that well...

Alan Clark ● 1538d

Don’t be so rude…you should read what I put it isn’t all down to brexit, other European countries are also struggling with staff shortages! our pals from Canada are also experiencing similar challenges with flights and baggage so clearly perhaps Covid is a larger contributor…..l

Jayne Thorburn ● 1538d

YehThats why easy jet has cancelled more flights than any other airline. The staff in spai have recently been striking for more money and the Chief Operating Officer has quit. Perhaps you should look at other airlines within europe that are having big issues that dont even operate in the or to the uk. Keep reading your fav newspaper for informative info Mr Clark

Julian Pavey ● 1538d

Less flights, good for the planet?

Maggie Dodge ● 1538d

Its all down to Brexit Says someoneScandinavian airline SAS canceled more than half of its schedule a few weeks ago due to a pilot strike over pay and operational issues pre covid Eindhoven airport in the Netherlands, for example, spilled outside the airport, through the vast esplanade at the terminal’s entry, past the parking lots, winding down surrounding streets. At least it was a sunny day. EasyJet workers have announced plans for further strikes this month after cabin crew workers in Spain, Portugal and Belgium staged a three-day strike last weekend that was later joined by colleagues in France and Italy. According to Germany’s ADV airport association, nearly 20% of jobs in security, check-in and aircraft handling remain unfilled. I have more if you want some extra reading away form your fav paper

Julian Pavey ● 1538d

Who knew Mr Clark  "Germany plans to import workers from abroad, particularly from Turkey, fast-tracking work permits and visas for them to fill in at airports at short notice and help out with baggage handling and security checks, according to the German ministers of transport. The situation is desperate and worrying while the national airline carrier Lufthansa predicts a dire future that probably wont get better before winter comes||" "analysis says that the debt of companies ranging from EasyJet to Lufthansa is trading just above levels considered “distressed. Clearly missing from any part below the headlines of your fav paper

Julian Pavey ● 1538d

Thousands are in hospital with Covid.

Janice Evans ● 1538d

Also many older workers retired after during Covid.

Janice Evans ● 1538d

Wow, hit a nerve with Mr Sensitive. Me thinks you protest too much. I merely cited two things airlines are doing post-Brexit.

Alan Clark ● 1538d

NOPE Just pointing out that the crux of your point is wrong but your looking for the back door to not make your view be srong and silly Your fav Janice has peopped up on another thread ,you know,the one you have told people to ignore x10 in the past,your easy target to make your seperior authority on subjects shine through "hit a nerve with Mr Sensitive" Yep,that reply just about sums it up. Did it take you 5 mins to think of a very sily reply becasue you did not like what a said. Cmon now,you know you did Carry on

Julian Pavey ● 1538d

Still feeling all touchy? Still interpreting the post of others in the way that best lights your touch paper? You need a lie down.

Alan Clark ● 1538d

I can assure you I don't give a fig, you don't like your superiority on subjects being challenged, fact, and you know it. Read your post back rather than dissect your post so as to not make you wrong in your overall point when challenged. Keep it coming, I may even start to have a giggle when I've stopped drinking my coffeeYou silly boy you

Julian Pavey ● 1538d

I thought you said you were so over Brexit. Yet you sit poised to be triggered by the slightest comments that use the word Brexit. You are not over Brexit, you are simply unable to remember why you supported it. And when triggered, you chuck all your toys out of the pram to distract everyone from the gap that is the justification for Brexit. Remind me, a tangible benefit of Brexit is...? As a clue, labour force and goods shortages do not really add up to a benefit. Nor does UK companies having to set up shop in the EU to work around the marvellous Brexit deal that our soon to be ex-PM achieved.

Alan Clark ● 1538d

Julian, you have to remember that for AC, all things wrong are the result of Brexit - whether it is the airline staff shortages, the spread of Covid, the Ukraine war, or the cycle path down the High Road.

Richard Greenhough ● 1538d

Rather than cancelling flights, the airlines shouldn't have sold tickets for them in the first place until they were sure they had the capacity to provide them. False pretences? Greed? Capitalism in action?!

Peter Evans ● 1538d

Just read BA to cut another 10300 flights before the end of October.

Nicholas Beard ● 1538d

Still upset i see "You are not over Brexit, you are simply unable to remember why you supported it" Your second error. I never voted for brexit,i voted remain and i did so on the basis that many moons ago when the family once had a flat overlooking the beach in hastings the EU pumped much money into doing up the promenade. Anything else i can do for you.

Julian Pavey ● 1538d

Oh yehThe above allso answers your "Remind me, a tangible benefit of Brexit is...? But we allways get that one at a end of a sentence dont we as if AHHA,got yer You silly man you. Il give you some more reasons why brexit is bad if you want to hear them. You still were wrong by the way on what you posted and what you were refering to and not your side door get out clause

Julian Pavey ● 1538d

Whatev's

Alan Clark ● 1538d

Just put it down as having a bad day Alan

Julian Pavey ● 1538d

I don't get your thinking. I simply cite some facts. You decide these are presented as a some attempt to place all the blame of airline staff shortages on Brexit. That is you seeing something that annoyed you and taking your view on a post. You swim off in the deep end of spurious examples to prove the point that you think I made was not a valid point. I suggest that you are coming across as all hyper pro-Brexit. You shout ha ha - I voted remain. What is your point? Are you simply desperate to get minor details correct? If so, well done. I'll say well played. (It wasn't but maybe that will make you happier.)If it is that you have decided that you dislike me, then well done. You are fast developing a sound reason to make it mutual.

Alan Clark ● 1538d

I understand the staff shortages are now affecting the Government.

Christopher Shea ● 1538d

Oh for god sake Take a nap man and get over yourself.

Julian Pavey ● 1538d

Ha ha yes and they’ll all be hoping to jet off somewhere, but can’t !

Maggie Dodge ● 1537d

Great news!  Perhaps some peace and quiet over west London, especially if other carriers using Heathrow also cancel flights!

Steve Taylor ● 1537d

Excellent news.  I hope the cycle zealots are lobbying hard to curb flights or they would be hypocrites.

Claire Moran ● 1537d

But how will they go skiing . It’s essential exercise for the kiddies?

Maggie Dodge ● 1536d

I know people who have deliberately reduced the number of flights that they take and looked at other ways of travelling if they have to.

Philippa Bond ● 1536d