A deal has been agreed to lay off British Airways staff because of the Covid-19 crisis, a union has announced.

Unite said the airline will introduce a modified version of the Government's job retention scheme, so that workers will be furloughed on 80% of pay.

Unlike the Government scheme, there will be no cap on earnings, said the union.

Workers will be able to divert their pension contributions into their pay for a short period of time and there will be no unpaid temporary lay offs or redundancies, said Unite, adding that a redundancy process that had already begun has been halted.

Unite national officer for aviation Oliver Richardson said: "Given the incredibly difficult circumstances that the entire aviation sector is facing this is as good a deal as possible for our members.

"The deal protects the jobs of BA staff and, as far as possible, also protects their pay.

"This is what can and should be done to protect workers during this unprecedented time for the airline sector."

The deal will now be circulated to Unite's members at British Airways for their final approval.

It is understood that around 28,000 BA staff are affected by the agreement.

National Express will fully suspend its national network of scheduled coach services with effect from midnight on Sunday April 5.

Chris Hardy, managing director of National Express UK Coach: “We kept a limited coach network running to be able to help those individuals with essential travel needs but it is no longer viable to continue to do this.

“Passenger numbers continue to fall as the public rightly follow government advice to avoid non-essential travel."

READ MORE: Unions call on First Minister to protect workers

He added: "The decision to temporarily suspend all services is the right one based on the current unprecedented circumstances and I hope our passengers understand this.

“It is very clear that the critical thing we must do to protect our NHS and save lives is to stay at home. All journeys before Monday 6 April will be completed and we will ensure customers are not stranded but until further notice, we will not be running any services.”

Passengers who had travel booked can choose to hold the ticket and amend for future travel within the next 12 months, free of charge, regardless of the terms and conditions. Customers do not need to make contact until they wish to rebook.

Former broadcaster, business leader, and entrepreneur James Gordon, Lord Gordon of Strathblane, died at the age of 83 on Tuesday.

The Maryhill man studied at the University of Glasgow before going into a broadcasting career that led him to becoming political editor at STV before helping to establish Radio Clyde as its managing director.

READ MORE: Businesses rush to furlough staff amid coronavirus crisis cash-flow pressure

He was also a former member of the Scottish Development Agency and chairman of VisitScotland.

His family said: "Family was very important to Jimmy - of all the roles he had in his life, the one that brought him most pleasure was being 'Papa' to his four grandchildren, with whom he was, frankly, besotted.

"He was also a much-loved brother and uncle and took great pleasure in spending time with his extended family. All messages received over the last day have focused on three things - his generosity, his kindness and his enthusiasm for life.

"He was a kind and supportive father, always thinking the best of his children even when there was evidence to the contrary. Family came first, and although he never preached to us, he always had a profound wisdom to share if you asked for it.

"He never judged unfairly and was patient and tolerant of all kinds of foolishness. He had a great sense of humour and enjoyed food, wine and good company. Nothing made him happier than his grandchildren. He will be missed so much by us all."

The PA news agency said it understands Lord Gordon died after contracting coronavirus.

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