Almost every British Airways staff member reports mental health issues after the decision to cull 12,000 workers

AN alarming 96 per cent of British Airways staff have reported mental health issues following the airline’s decision to cull 12,000 workers.

Unions say the entire 42,000 workforce is being made redundant, with employees not axed made to sign up to new lower-paid contracts.

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A survey showed 78 per cent of BA staff said their relationships with loved ones had suffered due to the proposals of the airline.

Fifty-two per cent of employees said they or a colleague they knew had thought of self-harming or suicide.

The Sun is aware of one BA worker of more than 30 years who has been sectioned after releasing a video in which she aggressively slams Willie Walsh, boss of BA’s parent firm IAG.

Another cabin crew member has also been reported “missing”, with fears growing by the day about her welfare.

12,000 JOBS CUT

Howard Beckett, Unite assistant general secretary, said: “Today one BA cabin crew member posted a video directed at Willie Walsh. She has suffered a breakdown and is in hospital.

“Another cabin crew lady posted a goodbye message and cannot be found. The police have been told.

“Lives destroyed for corporate greed. BA have £10billion in cash.”

Since BA unveiled its controversial plans, which have raised a storm of protest among cross-party MPs, 93 per cent of staff have reported feeling anxious, 61 per cent have been depressed.

Lives destroyed for corporate greed. BA have £10billion in cash.

A further 75 per cent say they have been “overwhelmed”, with 83 per cent experiencing a lack of sleep and 48 per cent boozing more.

Over 8,000 BA staff participated in the survey organised by the Unite union during ‘mental awareness week’.

Unite and the GMB unions say BA’s actions are unlawful, with staff and their representatives not consulted.

They say any workers hit under BA’s plans will have been “unfairly dismissed”, resulting in a fight for tens of millions of pounds in compensation payments.

'OVERWHELMED'

The survey came as it emerged BA’s latest campaign to look after its employees’ mental has has been removed from the airline’s website.

References to the initiative, launched amid much fanfare last year by TV fashion designer Gok Wan, were suddenly removed from BA.com at the start of Mental Health Week.

Anyone trying to access the airline’s campaign is now met with a pop-up message: “Oops, an error occurred. Some error occurred while processing. Please try again later.”

BA staff have subsequently written to the 45-year-old celeb, imploring him to reconsider working with the airline.

A letter leaked to The Sun said: “Last year you signed up to be a BA mental health ambassador and applauded BA on their mental health support for employees. Is this really the sort of company you thought it was? You have been misled by this corporate mean machine.”

BA insisted staff have access to a range of health advice and counselling services.

An airline spokesman told The Sun: “We do not underestimate how difficult this period is for everyone, which is why every communication with our colleagues since the consultation has started has included guidance on options available to give support to anyone who needs it.

“We provide a free, confidential 24-hour support service, plus the offer of counselling with health professionals, our own in-house medical team as well as a well-being app provided for all colleagues and extensive welfare advice on our intranet.”

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