LABOUR’S shadow chancellor has called on the Government to protect workers in the airline industry.

Anneliese Dodds visited Gatwick Airport on Tuesday to meet Labour councillors concerned about Crawley’s economy. The town has been rocked by a global downturn affecting the avation industry.

She demanded the Government bails out airlines provided they meet six conditions, including making “clear commitments” to tackle climate change and protect jobs.

“Sectors hardest hit by Covid-19, such as aviation, need their own deal to protect jobs and working conditions,” she said.

“Labour has already set out a six-condition plan for aviation which would save thousands of jobs connected to the sector in Crawley, while forcing companies to clean up their act on tax avoidance and the environment.”

Ms Dodds said the Government “has to act now to save Crawley’s jobs”.

  • At The Argus, we are championing the work of traders during the coronavirus pandemic as part of our #BackingSussexBusiness campaign. We are always interested to hear how the community is coming together in this crisis. If you know of a local business battling to do all it can in these tough times and/or offering support to the local community, please get in touch at laurie.churchman@theargus.co.uk and rose.lock@theargus.co.uk.