Nearly half of the agents who worked for Vacation World, which closed this week, have been found employment within the Hays Travel Independence Group.
Vacation World shut all of its 14 shops on Wednesday making 55 staff redundant after its membership of the Independence Group was terminated. See previous story.
But Hays Travel managing director John Hays said since the closures he has been contacted by several Vacation World staff and 20 are now back in employment.
Three shops have been re-opened, with all staff retained, while six other former World staff have joined the Independence Group as homeworkers.
"We been really heartened and delighted by the response," said Hays.
"Several managers have contacted us with regards to re-opening their branch or working with us as homeworkers. It’s great for the agents and it’s great for the customers as client relations can be retained. We’re also talking to others."
The three shops saved from closure are Wardle Travel in Cheadle, Dartmouth Travel in Dartmouth, and Torquay Travel in Torquay.
In the case of Wardle Travel, the agency has been re-opened by Doug Wardle, the original owner, who had remained the freeholder of the premises.
by Bev Fearis
