LUTON PAY OFFER A LOAD OF HOT AIR

EXCLUSIVE FLIGHTS at one of Britain’s busiest holiday airports could be hit by strike action.

Workers at London Luton Airport are furious at being offered a 2.15 per cent pay rise, below the four per cent retail prices index measure of inflation. The union Unite are holding a consultative ballot for industrial action among the airport’s 750 security staff, engineers, fire services and other workers.

The airport, home to budget airline easyJet, are digging their heels in despite profits rising by a fifth to £44million in 2016.

Luton’s highest-paid boss saw their package jump 48 per cent to £314,000. They refused to say if this was chief executive Nick Barton.

Unite regional officer Jeff Hodge said: “Workers are justifiably up in arms.”

The airport said: “Our staff receive a remuneration package which includes a competitive salary, private health insurance, generous pension scheme and a share of profits, which last year was almost £5000 for every qualifying employee.

“We believe our current pay offer is in line with the rest of the market.” THE first staff at collapsed highstreet chain Maplin have been made redundant. Administrators PwC wielded the axe with 63 jobs going at head offices in London and Rotherham. Stores are still open but the future of 2500 staff hangs in the balance as a buyer is sought.

Toby Underwood, joint administrator and PwC partner, said: “It is with real regret that we have made this decision.”