Prospect has reached agreement with Prestwick Airport on a furloughing scheme for staff who do not need to be at work during the coronavirus outbreak.

Prestwick has gone further than the terms of the government scheme by offering payments beyond the government cap of £2,500 a month.

The airport has also given staff the option to top up their salary to the full level of pay using annual leave.

Prospect negotiator David Avery urged members to seriously consider this option to protect their salary at current levels.

But he pointed out that most Prospect members are likely to be in groups who are required by Prestwick so will not be furloughed.

Prospect is also engaging with the Department for Transport and Transport Scotland about the wider implications for aviation as this crisis unfolds.

“We are continuing these discussions at all levels of government. Things are changing almost daily and maintaining these contacts is crucial to ensure that where there are issues, they are raised and resolved quickly,” said Avery.

Prospect reps in air traffic control have formed a network across the UK to in touch with developments across the industry.