LONDON - TROUBLED British Airways said on Thursday that 800 staff had agreed to work for free for up to one month, forming part of almost 7,000 workers who had accepted pay cuts to help the carrier slash costs.

'Nearly 7,000 British Airways staff have taken an early opportunity to apply for voluntary pay cuts in support of the airline's cost reduction programme,' BA said in a statement.

'Of the 40,000-strong workforce, 6,940 employees had volunteered for unpaid leave, part-time working or unpaid work by June 24. Their actions will save the company up to 10 million pounds (S$23.8 million).'