At least 800 BA staff are going to work unpaid for up to a month in a bid to safeguard their jobs at the beleaguered airline.

In total 6,940 employees of the 40,000-strong workforce have volunteered to work for a reduced wage which the company said will save up to £10 million.

Chief executive Willie Walsh, who has already announced that he will work unpaid for the month of July, said: "This is a fantastic first response. I want to thank everyone who has volunteered to help us pull through this difficult period.

"This response clearly shows the significant difference individuals can make."

Options offered to staff included volunteering for between one and four weeks' unpaid leave or unpaid work, with the pay deduction spread over three or six months.

Staff who have offered to work unpaid will still receive shift allowances and other payments, although they will give up their basic pay.

The airline has been looking to slash costs as part of its survival plan after unveiling an annual loss of £400 million.

Around 2,500 jobs have been cut since last summer and the airline wants to shed another 3,000 posts across its business.

Talks are being held with union leaders to agree a pay and jobs package as part of the cash-saving drive, with Mr Walsh setting a deadline of June 30 for reaching agreement.

Around 10,000 of BA's 40,000 staff already work part-time.

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