TUI pilots on sick leave have launched a lawsuit over changes to their sick pay and pension benefits.

Eight employees have taken the company to the High Court, claiming the airline ‘concealed the true nature of the changes’ included in a new sick pay plan.

The plan was approved by staff in August 2021.

According to a report in The Sunday Times, it means pilots on long-term sick leave have seen a significant cut to their pay, which, in some cases is down by almost 50%.

Pilots, backed by their union BALPA, claim they weren’t given sufficient information about the difference between the old and new plan during last year’s negotiations.

A TUI spokesperson told the publication it was ‘disappointed’ by the claims, adding that the changes had been made ‘following a lawful consultation’.

“Those changes were driven by the insurance market and not as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic,” they added. “As this is subject to ongoing legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”