Thomas Cook shake-up

THOMAS Cook is slashing more than 300 store jobs as more customers choose to book holidays online.

The firm will close 21 of its 587 UK shops, leaving 102 workers redundant. And it will cut a further 218 instore roles after a review.

Stores earmarked for closure include Stratfordupon-Avon in Warwickshire, Stevenage in Hertfordshire, Guildford in Surrey and Shipley in West Yorkshire.

Online purchases accounted for almost two-thirds of bookings last year, with the online business growing 30pc over the period.

Will Waggott, chief of tour operating, said the company is putting ‘rigorous focus’ on ‘costs in a competitive environment’ to ensure it is ‘fit for the future’.