Gatwick expansion to deliver '˜28,000 jobs'

An expansion at Gatwick airport would deliver up to 28,000 new jobs, a new report published today has revealed.
Could 28,000 jobs be created by Gatwick?Could 28,000 jobs be created by Gatwick?
Could 28,000 jobs be created by Gatwick?

The report, compiled by Arup examined the current range of jobs at Gatwick and assessed the types of jobs and skills needed for the airport to grow, as part of its current investment plans and possible second runway.

Findings showed that a second runway at the airport would boost employment across the region and create huge opportunities for young people and skilled workers directly supporting 28,000 new jobs.

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It is estimated that expansion would stimulate 12,000 new jobs across the UK to accompany the 21,00 jobs Gatwick already directly supports and the further 10,000 it indirectly supports.

Gatwick CEO, Stewart Wingate said: “Gatwick’s second runway will not only connect the UK to existing and emergent markets around the world, it will also provide thousands of jobs across the South East and deliver a once in a generation opportunity for young people to directly benefit from expansion.

“Gatwick can deliver a new runway faster and have a spade in the ground before 2020 which means, after decades of delay, Britain can finally benefit from airport expansion.”

The report also found that Gatwick provided an opportunity for employment for all as employees fell across the full range of skills and qualification levels. Further expansion would deliver job opportunities across the full range of job types.

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Almost half (48%) of staff are currently employed by airlines or their handling agents, with the largest single proportion working as air cabin crew (21%). Most Gatwick employees currently work full time, and the majority (84%) work shifts.

Gatwick Airport Limited has also announced a new partnership with the University of Brighton, University College London and Imperial College London to establish an engineering graduate programme. This would result in three engineering graduates joining Gatwick’s engineering team each year.

If it expands, Gatwick would also stimulate future opportunities by establishing a £3.75 million apprenticeship fund to create 2,500 new job opportunities for young people. Grants of £1,500 will be provided to cover the start-up costs of each new apprenticeship.

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