Job cuts at Birmingham airport

A slump in passenger numbers has forced Birmingham airport to lay off workers.

The airport said it had anticipated a slow summer season with little or no growth until 2011.

The fall in demand was confirmed by figures released earlier this month by the airport, showing a 7.7% drop in passenger numbers.

A spokesman said the airport had begun a 30-day consultation with the workers and hoped to avoid job losses if at all possible. Also, none of the redundant staff would be security or safety staff.

The airport said the recession had been the cause for the drop in passengers and subsequent job cuts.

"Our passenger numbers are reduced and no growth is forecast until 2011.

"This is only the second time this has happened in two decades and will significantly impact on both aeronautical and commercial income.

"This is illustrated by predicted activity levels for this summer season when we will witness passenger numbers lower than the previous year."