Cook staff given a lift by jobs fair
A jobs fair has taken place to help hundreds of Thomas Cook staff left unemployed following the firm’s collapse.
The travel firm’s closure left passengers stranded at holiday destinations around the world and 9,000 workers across the UK unemployed. Around 150 workers at Newcastle Airport were affected, as well as staff working at shops acrosss the North East.
In response to the crisis, Connect Health, in association with Newcastle College and supported by the North East CIPD and other businesses, came together to offer free sessions in a bid to help staff find new careers.
Out of the 9,000 UK staff impacted, around 4,000 were employed in Thomas Cook’s 563 retail outlets.
Angela Pearson, a former Thomas Cook employee, attended the fair at the college to look for new opportunities.
She said: “I attended the fair as I need a job and to see what is out there. I am very grateful that this has been put on for us because we need to look at what companies and what roles are available for us.
“I found the staff very inspiring, lovely and supportive and it has made me very optimistic.”
The event included practical workshops and talks to help support former Thomas Cook employees with their search for new jobs.
The businesses hope to increase the employees’ chance of getting a new job by teaching them skills that are needed during the process of applying.
These included interview skills, CV writing, job searching and advice and support on finance.
Lisa Davidson, chief people officer at Connect Health, said: “I came up with the idea of an employability event after hearing that a friend of mine had lost her job.
“People feel hugely let down and as I was acutely aware of the excellent HR support we have in the North East region, I went on to galvanise people’s enthusiasm by putting on this pop-up event. I truly hope it goes some way to ease the challenges faced and provides some great practical support.”