Heathrow cuts front-line posts after UK imposes quarantine

London Heathrow airport said it has begun cutting front-line jobs after a recovery in passenger numbers was delayed by Britain’s introduction this week of a quarantine rule for incoming travelers. Europe’s busiest airport will initially seek voluntary departures after agreeing a severance plan with unions, it said Thursday. The hub has already eliminated 500 management posts. The quarantine plan has sparked uproar among UK airlines and airports. Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye warned previously that the 14 days of self-isolation for arriving passengers would put one-third of the hub’s 7,000 posts at risk if Britain failed to say when the policy might be lifted. “Throughout this crisis, we have tried to protect front line jobs, but this is no longer sustainable,” he said in the release. “While we cannot rule out further job reductions, we will continue to explore options to minimize the number.” A Heathrow spokesman said the airport has 5,500 front-line workers but that the number of job losses hasn’t yet been determined while it consults with labor groups. Posts affected will include security officers, baggage-trolley operatives and engineering and maintenance staff. A third of the airport’s 1,500 management positions were cut previously.<br/>