Thomas Cook staff joy

MARK PIRIE

The Monklands jobs lost when Thomas Cook collapsed have been saved following a takeover by another travel company.

Hays Travel last week agreed a deal to buy all 555 Thomas Cook stores in the UK – including the Airdrie and Coatbridge branches.

Alan Daly, manager of the Airdrie store, told the Advertiser that all four members of staff would be returning to their roles.

He said the team – who have around 90 years of travel booking experience between them – were devastated by the closure.

However, they are delighted to be back in business.

A relieved Alan said: “It’s great to be able to open up the doors to customers again.

“If anyone wants to pop in for a chat or speak to the team then we are here for them.

“We want to welcome the community back in and say a huge thank you for the support they have shown us since the closure.

“We couldn’t believe how kind people around the town have been.

“In Airdrie there is real pride in the town centre and Thomas Cook was a big loss.

“It really affected people, and it impacted on our customers who had been so loyal through the years.

“Our staff love their job, and it was very hard on them to leave.

“So it’s brilliant that we are able to stay together as a team in the same shop. “We couldn’t be happier.” Alan hopes that the new company can offer something different than Thomas Cook.

“Hays is an independent travel agent, so it’s not really the same as previously.

“Hays doesn’t have to book certain things or certain flights; we are able to be a bit more flexible and that means sourcing exactly what is right for our customers.

“Now they can come in and speak to us and get the very best advice.”

TSSA, the union which represents Thomas Cook employees, also hailed Hays.

General Secretar y Manuel Cortes said: “This is very welcome news offering real hope of reemployment to former Thomas Cook retail staff, many of whom are our members.

“We have been clear from the start that Thomas Cook was a strong brand and that it was likely parts of the business would be able to move forward as a going concern.

“Throughout the industry the talent, commitment and skills of our members working for Thomas Cook was well known and I have no doubt they will bring the same dedication to Hays.”

The new Airdrie branch of Hays Travel is recruiting new staff.

For more information visit www. haystravel. co.uk/careers or call 0800 215 5995.

Back in business Manager Alan Daly and staff at Hays Travel in Airdrie