Store deal will save Thomas Cook jobs
ONE of the UK’s largest travel agents has said it will save thousands of jobs at Thomas Cook after a deal to buy all 555 of the company’s stores around the UK.
Hays Travel has already employed 421 members of Thomas Cook staff since the travel group went out of business last month.
The company yesterday revealed it now intends to reopen the shops immediately, potentially saving up to 2,500 further jobs.
Thomas Cook had 10 Wales including Cardiff,
Port Talbot and Brecon.
Hays Travel also promised to create another 100 jobs at its Sunderland headquarters.
“It is a game-changer for us, almost trebling the number of shops we have and doubling our workforce – and for the industry, which will get to keep stores in Swansea, some of its most talented people,” said founder John Hays.
“We are looking forward to welcoming many more people who share our passion for the travel industry, into our family business.”
The 178-year-old Thomas Cook folded on September 23 after failing to secure a last-minute rescue deal.
The news left around 150,000 passengers stranded abroad, the last of whom were returned to the UK on Monday.
More than 9,000 people faced unemployment in late September when Thomas Cook went bust.
David Chapman, the official receiver of Thomas Cook, said: “I am pleased to announce we have reached an agreement with Hays Travel to acquire Thomas Cook’s entire UK retail estate, comprising 555 stores across the country.
“This represents an important step in the liquidation process, as we seek to realise the company’s assets.”
Jim Tucker, a KPMG partner who was appointed joint special manager of Thomas Cook’s retail division after the failure, said: “This is an extremely positive outcome, and we are delighted to have secured this agreement.
“It provides re-employment opportunities for a significant number of former Thomas Cook employees, and secures the future of retail sites up and down the UK high street.”
Mr Tucker said the administrators would work with Hays to “ensure a smooth transition of the store estate”.
He added: “We are pleased to have achieved this in a short timeframe and in the context of a complex liquidation process, which is testament to a lot of hard work from a number of parties.”
Hays was founded in County Durham 40 years ago and reached £1bn in sales last year. It has 190 shops and 1,900 employees.
Manuel Cortes, general secretary of the TSSA union which represents Thomas Cook’s store workers, said he was seeking an urgent meeting with Hays to figure out how the union can help with the “significant expansion”.
“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,” he said.
Hays Travel is one of many companies to offer roles to ex-employees.
Virgin Atlantic has said it will recruit cabin crew or other employees with flying experience.
Meanwhile, rival TUI announced it would host a recruitment fair in London for those who were affected.