Aurigny to furlough 170 staff

Channel
Guernsey
Travel
Tuesday 14 April 2020 at 9:56pm

Aurigny will furlough 170 of its staff.

The airline said that although the States of Guernsey agreed to extra overdraft facilities for the company in March, its timetable had 'dwindled' to a minimal lifeline service during the pandemic.

Aurigny needs staff in flying, support and airport roles to meet Civial Aviation Authority regulations, however these will only receive 80% of their normal basic pay.

Staff who are not working during this time will be furloughed and asked to accept their pay being reduced to 70% of their basic pay. These members of staff will continue to attend work for training purposes (such as pilots who need to maintain flying hours) or to cover sickness.

The company says the measures will save around £450,000 per month.

Aurigny Chief Executive Mark Darby said he too would be taking a pay cut, but was aware of the impact it would have on some employees.

It is with regret that we are taking this decision as we know some of our staff will suffer hardship as a result. However, we have to be accountable to our shareholder and support the States of Guernsey and taxpayers in saving costs at this unprecedented time. The reduction in salary is applicable to ALL staff including myself and the management team. We are all in this together. I am personally incredibly proud of all our staff and how they have coped at this time. Some of our departments like customer services have been busier than ever and it is testament to the quality of our workforce that individuals from other parts of the business have helped. In addition, we set up Aurigny Aid which has seen many members of staff helping out in the community with both businesses and individuals.

The company says furloughing staff means they will be able to recommence normal service once restrictions have been lifted.

Coronavirus: All the information and advice for the Channel Islands