Independent agents swamped by recruitment enquiries

Independent agents have reported a surge in recruitment enquiries from both Thomas Cook and TUI agents since TC announced redundancies and shop closures last week.

Barrhead Travel has invited Thomas Cook staff, whose jobs are under threat, to start sending in their applications for jobs with the independent.

Chairman Bill Munro said Barrhead is looking for staff for five new shops currently in the pipeline.

It is also specifically looking for long-haul specialists to help with its recently launched long-haul tour operator and to help fill maternity cover.

In total, there are around 40 jobs available.

Travel Counsellors has also reported an unprecedented level of recruitment enquiries from agency staff following the announcement and is encouraging agents to make the move into homeworking.

The home working group is organising a number of different recruitment initiatives including ‘discovery days’ across the UK in a bid to attract agents from the high street. 

Existing Travel Counsellors have also offered to open their homes to those interested in joining so they can see how the company works and answer questions. 

Simon Burke, head of global recruitment at Travel Counsellors said: "We have had to reprint a new batch of our information packs as the demand has outstripped our normal supply."

Donna Horner, Travel Counsellor and former Thomas Cook employee said: "I can understand why some Thomas Cook employees may feel anxious about taking the leap and may want to try to find a job on the high street, but all I can say is taking the step to work for Travel counsellors have allowed me to truly enjoy working in travel again."

Barrhead’s Bill Munro said about the proposed Thomas Cook job cuts: "It is terrible news, and we feel nothing but sympathy for those people who are in consultation at the moment.

"But our continued expansion could be the answer for a number of redundant Thomas Cook staff."

He said the independent is used to receiving calls from agents working for multiples who are looking to jump ship.

"It’s been even busier than usual in the past few weeks, with Cooks staff and even some TUI managers calling us to see if there are any job opportunities available for them," he said.

Positions are also available within Barrhead’s homeworking operation and its business travel division, Business Travel Solutions, in London and Aberdeen,

"I do believe that most of the people who are made redundant by Thomas Cook in Scotland will find alternative employment, even before the 90-day consultation is up," said Munro.

Travel recruitment experts are calling on the trade to pull together to make sure the Thomas Cook job cuts don’t lead to another widespread exodus from the travel industry, see other story.