Aer Lingus plan - Concerns by union must be studied

The reported plan by Aer Lingus management to cut its workforce by up to a quarter is a startling move, especially for the 1,300 people involved, for whom the consequences would be drastic.

It has to be viewed in the context of the proposed management buyout, something which the Government will consider in September.

The airline has already gone through a period of turmoil and only three years ago averted collapse, but shed 2,000 jobs in the process.