NEARLY three-quarters of Britons think British Airways bosses should return the 10 per cent of pay they cut from check-in staff during the Covid-19 pandemic, a new poll revealed today. 

The Survation survey shows that 73 per cent believe management should “do the right thing” and pay the 500 workers at Heathrow airport in full, said the Unite union, which commissioned the research. 

Nearly six in 10 think strikes, which the employees backed by an overwhelming majority last month, are justified, the poll also suggests.

And, in a significant blow to the profitable airline, 22 per cent said the walkouts make them less likely to fly with BA. 

Unite said its members at the company were between £3,500 and £5,000 worse off after bosses slashed salaries during the health crisis, which saw most flights grounded.

The firm has since restored the payments to managers, along with bonuses, but is refusing to do the same for other workers, it said.

National officer Oliver Richardson said: “Unless it gets a grip and backs its staff, BA is fast heading towards a summer of strikes.”