British Airways to cut 100 jobs in Belfast

British Airways (BA) are to cut 100 jobs in Belfast as part of plans to restructure its UK direct sales operations and axe 400 jobs across the UK.

The closure of the airline's Belfast-based call centre will result in the loss of 100 jobs, and the BA Travel Shop in Belfast is also earmarked for closure later this year.

In a statement released today, the company said that one of the main reasons for the move was that more people were booking their flights and holidays online.

Martin George, British Airways' Commercial Director, said: "It is clear that increasing number of our customers want to book and organise their travel plans with British Airways via the Internet. This is a travel industry wide trend and we have to ensure that our business reflects this."

He added that the UK call centres have seen the number of telephone calls drop by more than 60% since 2001 and they have already been forced to reduce the workforce from 2,200 people, to 800.

Mr George continued: "It is with regret that we propose to close Belfast and make more efficient use of our centres in Manchester and Newcastle. This is not about moving telephone calls abroad and customers in the UK will still speak to people based in our remaining UK call centres.

"The announcement today is not an easy one and not one which we have taken lightly. This decision is not a reflection on the professionalism and efforts of our staff in these areas. It is about ensuring that we respond to changes in the marketplace."

Mr George added that in the coming months BA will consult fully with trade unions and staff representatives and will offer all the support they can to affected staff either to find other jobs within British Airways or with other employers.

BA have also revealed that 17 High Street Travel shops will also close which will see a further 300 jobs being axed throughout the rest of the UK, by August this year.

(EF/SP)