Key facts
- EasyJet is consulting on proposals that could cut up to about 50 head office roles from a 2,300-strong team.
- An easyJet spokesperson said the proposals affect a very small proportion of head office roles.
- The job cuts are understood not to be linked to Apollo or the takeover.
- Apollo has vowed not to cut any jobs for a year after completing the takeover.
- Balpa said important questions remain about the transaction's long-term implications for employees.
- Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and his family, who own about 15% of easyJet, support the takeover.
EasyJet confirmed it is looking at cutting jobs across its head office workforce, after The Times reported the plan. The airline is understood to be consulting on proposals that could see up to about 50 head office roles cut from a 2,300-strong team.
An easyJet spokesperson said: "Our people are integral to easyJet's success and as a low-cost airline we always operate efficiently so we can keep fares low for our customers and invest in future growth opportunities." The spokesperson added that the proposals affect a very small proportion of head office roles.
The job cuts are understood not to be linked to Apollo or the takeover. EasyJet agreed in July to a takeover by US firm Apollo at 715p a share, valuing the company at £5.7 billion. Apollo also owns firms including Wagamama-owner The Restaurant Group.
Shareholders are voting on the deal on Wednesday and, if approved, it is expected to complete in the first quarter of 2027. Apollo has vowed not to cut any jobs for a year after completing the takeover.
Unions in the UK and Europe have voiced concerns over possible job cuts at easyJet after the Apollo deal and debts that would be added to the airline's balance sheet. Balpa said recently that "important questions remain regarding the long-term implications of the transaction" and that its principal concern is the extent to which the transaction may affect employees beyond the 12-month period covered by the statements of intention.
EasyJet was founded by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou in 1995. Sir Stelios and his family, who own about 15% of the business, have given the takeover their support. Apollo secured the deal after winning a takeover tussle with US investment firm Castlelake, which had previously made a £5.5 billion, or 690p a share, proposal and walked away from the bidding war in August.