Heathrow green light would boost jobs by 70,000

Unite has urged the government to hurry over implementing the recommendations of the Airports Commission for Heathrow expansion or risk losing out to rival airports across the globe.

 

Their report issued today (Wednesday July 1), shows that the expansion will not only boost Britain’s struggling economy but will create more than 70,000 new jobs.

 

“This option, with the safeguards provided, delivers the biggest boost to the economy and will create over 70,000 jobs,” said Peter Kavanagh, Unite London regional secretary.

 

“It will also secure the livelihoods of over 100,000 people working at Heathrow and those tens of thousands in associated industries under this plan, which cements Heathrow’s status as a world leader,” added Peter.

 

The commission today said it was “clear and unanimous” that Heathrow’s plan was the strongest case for future airport capacity, delivering the greatest strategic and economic benefits.

 

“This debate has never been about a runway, it’s been about the future we want for Britain. Expanding Heathrow will keep Britain as one of the world’s great trading nations, right at the heart of the global economy,” said John Holland-Kaye, the airport’s chief executive.

 

The ÂŁ17bn expansion plan would mean 250,000 more flights a year, providing a ÂŁ150bn boost to GDP over 60 years as well as creating more jobs.

 

The report stressed that the plan was “a fundamentally different proposition” from former plans to expand Heathrow, with the runway located further west and anticipated to have much less impact on local communities.

 

“Our new plans have been designed around the needs of local communities and will meet carbon, air quality and noise targets, and provides the greatest benefit to the UK’s connectivity and its long-term economic growth,” added Mr Holland-Kaye.

 

Peter Kavanagh warned that any further delay would risk Heathrow losing out to rival airports across the globe.

 

“The government needs to show leadership and give the green light to Heathrow’s expansion now,” Kavanagh added.

 

While Mr Holland-Kaye promised to “create the world’s best connected, most efficient and most environmentally responsible hub airport”.