26 Jun 2020
Grounding of commercial flights and airline operators entering bankruptcy have led to a drop in orders
Erdington, UK – Consultation has started between Dunlop Aircraft Tyres Ltd (DATL) and trade unions over plans to cut 200 jobs at the Birmingham-based company, as Covid-19 takes its toll on the aviation industry.
“We’re incredibly disappointed to see proposed job cuts at Dunlop,” said GMB Union organiser Rebecca Mitchell in a statement 25 June.
According to Mitchell, “emergency talks” with company officials have been arranged for 26 June to discuss and “better respond to” the planned redundancies.
The proposed cuts represent just under half of DATL's total payroll of 450 staff, according to local press.
The manufacturer has blamed the impact of Covid-19 on the decision, as travel restrictions have caused a drop in orders.
Speaking to the BBC, DATL chief executive Gordon Roper said the grounding of commercial flights and airline operators entering bankruptcy had led to a "sharp reduction" in demand for the tire maker.
The company official said he could not see a return to normality “for a number of years.”
A 45-day consultation process is under way with staff and trade unions.
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