Environmental activist John Stewart has said the Government’s claims that Heathrow’s expansion would lead to more jobs are a “cruel trick.”

Mr Stewart, chair of campaign group Hacan, said the Department for Transport’s own figures showed the number of workers at the airport had fallen in the last decade despite flights rising sharply.

He said: “A major reason for this has been the introduction of new technology.

“The credit crunch will mean that the demand for flying will fall significantly. Already a number of airlines have been forced out of business with subsequent job losses.

“And, as the oil begins to run out, air fares will rise, meaning demand will fall even further with even more job losses.”

Hacan has called on Gordon Brown to back away from airport expansion if he is serious about creating long-term jobs during any potential future recession.

Mr Stewart added: “The Government and it allies in lobby groups such as Future Heathrow is giving people false hope that jobs can be secured through airport expansion. It’s a cruel trick”

The trade union movement has promoted the concept of Just Transition where it has advocated workers switching to jobs in carbon-friendly industries. Six unions have spoken out against expansion at Heathrow.