BA planning further cuts, says reports

British Airways are planning a new round of job cuts in the new year, a British newspaper has claimed.

The reports said British Airways chief executive Rod Eddington has written to staff to warn them to expect a new round of job cuts in the new year.

Up to 5,000 positions will now be at risk.

The airline already has a programme in existence to reduce headcount by 13,000 staff by March 2004,

Eddington admits this is unlikely to be enough.

He said: "We need to make a much bigger profit if we are to pay our debts, pay ourselves and pay shareholders a dividend, while improving our products and services. We must clearly do something to improve our position."