CV-Library report finds 40% of UK airport workers close to changing jobs

By Sam Pither

1 August 2022

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Almost half (41.1 per cent) of all airport and airline workers are considering leaving the industry, with insufficient pay underlying the top three reasons why.

This is according to a new report published by Hampshire-based jobs board CV-Library, which surveyed more than 1,700 airport and airline workers.

Of those who said they are considering leaving, 58.3 per cent said they wanted better pay. However, insufficient renumeration also contributes to the two next-highest motivations, with a third reporting their job is too stressful for their current salary and a quarter saying they have too much responsibility for their pay grade.

With the school holidays having started last week, it might be expected that the chaos currently seen at a number of UK airports is pushing staff out of the industry.

However, only 5 per cent reported wanting to leave due to the current difficulties at UK airports, with 4.2 per cent pointing to angry and unreasonable passengers and another 4.2 per cent saying the job was impacting their mental health.

Lee Biggins, Founder and CEO of CV-Library said: “With the industry in such disarray, it comes as no surprise that so many airport workers are considering leaving. Attempts to turn things around have so far missed the mark and, with peak season now upon us, urgent action is required.

“Based on our data and the voice of both current and ex airline and airport workers, if salary levels and benefits were enhanced, the crisis could be severely dampened.”

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Like a number of other professions at the moment, airport staff are facing wage stagnation, with 67.2 per cent claiming they have not had a pay rise in the last 12 months despite rising inflation and an ongoing cost of living crisis. 82 per cent say they have received no additional or enhanced benefits over this period, too.

Analysing the job market itself, CV Library report that, when compared to pre-Covid figures the industry, along with hospitality, ranks as the worst performing in the UK with average salary in the bottom range of 0 – +2.4%.

The industry has been unable to entice people to return, either, with 58 per cent of those who have left saying they wont return because of poor pay. Among this group, press coverage of airport chaos had a much heavier impact, with 42.1 per cent concluding it is now too stressful. A further 19.7 per cent have found a “far” better job.

Lee added: “The industry has seen an increase of +6.2% new and active candidates over pre-pandemic levels but, with increased demand on household budgets and other industries taking heed of the market and offering more tempting packages, airlines and airports are missing out on securing the crucial staff they need to operate effectively and end the chaos for UK travellers.”

By Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset.

A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise.

Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.