Easyjet has confirmed it is looking at plans to cut head office jobs ahead of its £5.7bn private equity takeover.
The Luton-based carrier is understood to be consulting on proposals that may see 50 head office roles slashed out of a team of over 2,300.
It comes after Easyjet agreed a takeover in July for 715p a share by US firm Apollo, which also owns Wagamama’s parent company, 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. It is understood the job cuts are not linked to Apollo or its proposed acquisition of Easyjet or any plans it has for the carrier after the takeover closes.
It is also understood Apollo has not been involved in the process nor the proposals.
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SUBSCRIBE HEREAn Easyjet spokesperson said in a statement: “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.
These proposals affect a very small proportion of head office roles to ensure we are best set up to support the business’ ambitious plans.”
Unions in the UK and Europe have raised concerns over possible job cuts at the carrier after the Apollo deal and debts that would be heaped onto the airline’s balance sheet.
The British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa) trade union has raised concerns, saying recently that “important questions remain regarding the long-term implications of the transaction”.
The trade union added: “Balpa’s principal concern is the extent to which the transaction may affect employees beyond the 12-month period covered by the statements of intention.”
Takeover tussle
Apollo secured the deal in early August after winning in a takeover tussle in the summer with rival US investment firm Castlelake.
Castlelake had previously made a £5.5bn – 690p a share – proposal to buy easyJet, but walked away from the bidding war in August.
revealed in August Easyjet shareholders were at risk of having their stake in the airline seized from them unilaterally and were highly unlikely to be paid a dividend if they opt to retain their stake in the carrier once Apollo’s takeover is complete.