Leaked document reveals plan to provoke Heathrow strikes

Talks aimed at ending the row behind the Heathrow airport chaos will continue today as it emerged that the catering firm at the centre of the dispute considered provoking strikes last year to replace staff with cheaper labour.

A secret internal briefing presented to bosses at British Airways’ catering company Gate Gourmet reads: “Recruit, train and security check drivers. Announce intention to trade union, provoking unofficial industrial action from staff. Dismiss current workforce. Replace with new staff.”