Thomas Cook staff delivered ‘devastating’ news

Sunday, 15 Dec, 2011 0

Union chiefs representing Thomas Cook staff have described the news, less than two weeks before Christmas, that up to 661 staff could lose their jobs as part of plans to close 115 shops early next year as "devastating".

However, officials said they were working with Thomas Cook to try to keep the level of redundancies to a minimum.

Usdaw confirmed that 60 of the shops to close are from the Thomas Cook/Going Places estate, affecting 388 jobs, 47 are from the Co-operative Group estate, affecting 223 staff, and eight are Midlands Co-op stores, hitting 50 staff.

Thomas Cook said the shops earmarked for closure had been selected on the basis of lease expiry dates, financial performance, proximity to other stores and the profile of their customer catchment area.

Usdaw national officer Sharon Ainsworth said the union was always aware the Thomas Cook/Co-op merger would lead to job losses, but it had no choice but to go along with it to secure the long-term future of the Co-op's travel business.

She added: "Thomas Cook is fully consulting with Usdaw and our key priority will be to keep the number of compulsory redundancies to an absolute minimum. Hopefully there will be opportunities for redeployment and we'll be trying to maximise these and do everything else we can to support and represent our members through this very difficult time.

"There is never a good time to be told your job is at risk but to hear just before Christmas is particularly devastating for everyone affected."

The closures are subject to a statutory 90-day consultation period and no redundancies are expected before March 17 next year, said Usdaw, which represents 1,000 staff formerly employed by the Co-operative Group and Midlands Co-operative.

By Linsey McNeill

below social share icons

Linsey McNeill

Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk

The Florida Keys and Key West is a 126 mile long string of Islands connected to South Florida by the...

Global Hotel Alliance brings together a unique collection of independent hospitality brands for GHA DISCOVERY, a multi-brand loyalty programme. GHA...

The Mexico Tourism Board serves as the driving force behind Mexico’s global appeal, orchestrating targeted marketing campaigns to showcase the...

At Wilderness Safaris we believe in creating life-changing journeys and have been doing so for over 39 years. Our purpose...

Hilton is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 22 world-class brands comprising nearly 7,300 properties and more than 1.1 million rooms, in...

Air Transat is Canada’s number one leisure airline. It flies to some 60 international destinations in more than 25 countries...

A state like no other. A place known for togetherness, celebration and happiness. In Louisiana, we call it “joie de...

City Cruises is a leading operator of sightseeing, dining and charter services operating in London, York and Poole. We offer...

If you’re thinking of cruising, there’s a very good chance you’re considering a Carnival cruise. Growing since our founding in...

It’s easy to find perfection in Santa Barbara, but what if there was even more of your favorite finds, activities,...

AXA Assistance specializes in best-in-class cost containment, health and travel services. Over 60 years of experience combined with a US and...

Traveltek is the world-leading provider of online solutions for the travel trade, from consumer-facing websites to call centre applications. We...

Take your clients’ vacation to the next level at Universal Orlando Resort™. With three amazing theme parks – Universal Studios...

Blue Diamond Resorts consistently goes above and beyond guest expectations by delivering groundbreaking vacation experiences through our exceptional collection of...