Ex-Flybe engineer describes dread of sudden job loss

Speaking to Nub News, an ex-Flybe engineer has described his dread at discovering that he has lost his job in the wake of the airline collapse.

We spoke to the ex-Flybe employee who lives in the East Devon area. Given the difficult position he has suddenly found himself in, and the fact that the 'aviation industry is a tight-knit community' as he put it, he preferred to remain anonymous.

He told us: "I was an engineer at Flybe, having completed the four-year training scheme and was six-months in to a full-time position.

"As of 8.30am this morning, when we were invited to a conference call with the bosses, my contract has been terminated.

"They told us that everything going forward was out of their hands and now being dealt with by the administration firm, Ernst and Young.

"I'm in a bit of shock to be honest. Imagine the dread of being in trouble at work and thinking you're going to lose your job, but through absolutely no fault of your own.

"There is literally nothing we can say or do to change the situation.

"Last night was horrible. I went to bed not knowing what was going to happen in the morning.

"Everyone is being so supportive though. I've had loads of people view my LinkedIn profile and there are recruitment days taking place.

"JMC recruitment for aviation and engineering are holding support sessions at the Hampton by Hilton hotel, close to Exeter Airport in conference rooms' one and two from 9am - 5pm today and tomorrow.

"Also, Great Western Railway are inviting engineers to apply for jobs using an application form especially for ex-Flybe employees.

Speaking about what the future holds, he said: "It's a case of whether I will relocate or not. The thing is my partner and I have just put six months on the property we live in and she is happy in her job, so I don't really see moving as an option at the moment.

"It just doesn't feel quite real. Yesterday afternoon I was at work on a normal day, then all of a sudden we're packing up our tools to leave and saying good bye to colleagues who we may never see again.

"It doesn't feel quite real, although it hasn't come as a complete shock. Anyone who works for Flybe has known that this has been potentially on the cards for a long time, but every time the airline got into trouble before, it always seemed to find a way out.

"Not this time though."

People across East Devon have woken up today to news that Flybe has gone into administration; meaning thousands of jobs instantly terminated and flights cancelled.

While the disruptions and financial loss for those who had booked with the airline warrants sympathy, our hearts really go out to those who have found themselves suddenly unemployed.

Not only are careers in jeopardy, given that most were highly skilled roles; but the financial implications for those who may also have families to consider is deeply concerning.