To put in in perspective, Gatwick area stands to loose about 25000 jobs either in airlines or associated with them. BA run a shuttle from LGW carpark to LHR ( or used to in my day!) so it matters not a hoot if they close ops at LGW. The T5 operation at LHR is far superior in any event, Gatwick is always awash with low cost pax eating at the oyster bars and walking around in shorts with tattoos. There is very little or no chance of the local jobs being recovered until passenger numbers pick up. Of course for the BA staff affected it's a far more reaching pain with loss of service benefits, staff travel etc. I'm sure BALPA will do their best but in reality they can't work miracles. Job share schemes do not work well for airlines.