Irish-based Stobart Air cabin crew can now apply for the Covid-19 wage subsidy scheme after unions sought and achieved adjustments to the income supplement arrangements.

The earlier scheme left the company unable to fund salary supports. But following the union-led revision of the scheme, cabin crew in the airline can now return to the payroll.

Stobart intends to end the period of lay-offs and place all staff on a retained arrangement from the beginning of May. 

Fórsa official Ashley Connolly welcomed this development. “With Stobart facilitating the wage subsidy scheme, we are pleased to say that all Irish airlines are now offering this support to employees.

“The company has assured us that there will be no changes to retained staff previously agreed, and remuneration will be in accordance with terms of the scheme,” she said.

Adjustments to the subsidy will see increases from 70% of pay to 85% for employees with a previous average take home pay below €412 per week. Staff with a previous average take home pay of between €412 and €500 per week are now eligible for €350 per week.

Stobart management says it will be in touch with employees shortly.