Unite has cautiously welcomed the news that East Midlands Airport is seeking to expand.

The proposal to create more car parking and warehouse space at the Leicestershire airport could boost the economy by £3.9bn and create more than 20,000 jobs. Unite believes the jobs created must be well-paid and unionised.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Unite supports these plans, which will drive growth and create jobs for the local economy if they are successful.

"However, in order to benefit the local community all new jobs must be well-paid, unionised and permanent."

Unite regional secretary Paresh Patel said: "Unite must be part of ongoing discussions for any expansion at East Midlands Airport to ensure that any jobs created including in construction are unionised, well paid and come with excellent terms and conditions."

ENDS