EASYJET crews formed a sea of orange outside Southend Airport as they protested plans to close the airline’s base. 

The demonstration, yesterday, saw a number of senior Southend councillors join airline crews as they called for a u-turn to allow the base to remain at the airport. 

The proposal puts the jobs of 1,290 EasyJet cabin crew members across the country at risk. 

Campaigners, backed by Unite the Union, stood with EasyJet crews to chant, march and wave their posters as more than 30 took part. 

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

An EasyJet cabin crew member, who wished to remain anonymous, has been left in the dark about the future despite working with the company for two and a half years. 

The 27-year-old from Southend, said: “Even though I’ve been there all this time I’m not entitled to redundancy because there was a gap in my employment.

"It’s down to fixed term contracts- you’re with them for a busy period, are away from the company for a month, and then they invite you back.

“Moving forward it would be nice to at least have the option to work from Gatwick or Luton which I would take, I don’t have anything else and where other businesses are struggling it’s really hard to get a job at the minute.

“This job is all I wanted to do, I love it. It’s really worrying not knowing what will happen. There’s 140 of us in Southend cabin crew.”

Councillor Daniel Cowan, from the St Laurence ward, attended and is keen to see the base stay open, while MP James Duddridge, who represents Rochford and Southend East, fears that if the base were to close it could impact other businesses in the area.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Mark Flewitt, said: "Despite the furlough money from government, over 1,000 jobs across the easyJet UK operation could disappear.

"The £174 million dividend was still drawn from the business. It makes little sense and of course causes very real anguish to local people and their families."

Councillor Dave McGlone, from the St Laurence Ward, added: "This was just so sad, after all that government has done, it makes no sense. Councillor Mark Flewitt and I hope easyJet will reconsider this decision."

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

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Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West, said: “I have been contacted by a number of residents who are employed by easyJet following the announcement by the airline regarding their activities at Southend Airport.

"I completely understand the shock and worry which this announcement has brought to them in terms of their job security and what, if any, future they might have with the airline.

"All of their enquiries I have put to the management of easyJet who I would expect a reply from as soon as possible.

"I have also contacted the Department for Work and Pensions.”

An EasyJet spokesperson, said: “We are fully committed to working closely and constructively with Unite through the consultation process.

"We respect the right to a peaceful demonstration and know this is a difficult time.

"We are focused on working closely with the union in the interests of the long term health of the company, our people and to protect jobs.”

A spokesperson from the airport, said: "We are aware of the Unite protest in support of easyJet employees and our thoughts are with those whose employment has been affected by the global pandemic.

"The aviation industry has been hit hard by the impacts of the coronavirus and we would welcome any support that can be given to help the industry recover and protect jobs. 

"We continue discussions with easyJet and await the outcome of their consultation process."