The union has consistently opposed the introduction of the scheme, believing that it would do nothing to address issues in relation to aviation safety and security.

Prospect had concerns that representations made throughout the consultation period on behalf of over 4,000 members working as air traffic controllers, engineers and other specialists working within aviation, had fallen on “deaf ears” and been ignored at a political level.

Prospect national secretary Garry Graham said: “We recently wrote to the new Home Secretary, reiterating our concerns, and to all MPs which resulted in a high level of cross party support. This decision is therefore very welcome and we see it as a triumph for common sense.”