BAA axe 700

ABOUT 700 job losses were announced today at the three biggest airports operated by BAA as part of plans to save £45m a year.

BAA said back office and management roles would be removed at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted. But it insisted there would be no cuts in frontline security.

Details emerged as BAA posted improved results for the six months to September 30 despite the impact of wildcat strikes at Heathrow and the London bombings.

Going Places go

TOUR operator MyTravel today said it was bringing forward the closure of more than 100 of its high street travel agents after internet bookings soared.

MyTravel was due to close 110 Going Places shops by 2007 as it looked to generate more business online. The company, which runs Going Places stores in Worcester, Evesham and Droitwich, ruled out job losses.

House prices up

THE property market continued to show signs of stabilising during October with house prices rising by 1.3 per cent, figures showed.

The rise wiped out the falls recorded in August and September, and pushed the average cost of a home in the UK up to £157,107, compared with £152,159 in October 2004, said Nationwide Building Society.

Matalan slump

THE slowdown in high street spending hit clothing chain Matalan today as it posted a fall in sales and warned of a tough future.

Like-for-like sales were down 6.3 per cent in the 26 weeks to August 27, which led to pre-tax profits falling to £30.7m from £42.5m.