Union bosses have reacted angrily to news that Thomas Cook is to close its Bradford centre, putting 468 jobs at risk.
Manuel Cortes, leader of the TSSA travel union, said the move was scandalous.
"Thomas Cook is largely in the mess it is because of the mismanagement of former chief executive, Manny Fontenela, who was paid an astonishing £15 million for driving the company towards the very edge of the cliff," said Cortes.
"Now hundreds of our members are going to pay the price of that mismanagement with their jobs while he has riden off into the sunset with all the loot. It is a scandal."
Thomas Cook said it was closing the centre to remove duplication within the business where a number of UK centres are carrying out the same role.
Out of the 537 employees, 69 are expected to be redeployed nearby. The operator said 250 jobs are also likely to be created in Falkirk, Peterborough and Preston.
Thomas Cook is entering a 90-day consultation period with employees and unions but claims the proposed closure of Bradford was made after looking at all the options.
Ian Ailles, CEO Mainstream at Thomas Cook UK & Ireland said, "Thomas Cook is one of the largest employers in the travel industry, with 19,000 people working across the UK business. As part of the previously announced UK turnaround, we have regrettably today advised colleagues in our Bradford office that we’re proposing to close it by March next year, relocating some roles to our other UK sites in Birkenshaw (near Bradford), Peterborough and Falkirk.
"We’ve made a commitment to improve the profitability of the UK business and today’s announcement is part of this, but what is also key to these proposed changes is the improved service level that will result for our customers. We looked at several options as part of our location strategy review and today’s proposal is considered to be the most effective. I’d like to thank our colleagues in our Bradford site for their professionalism as we now enter a period of consultation."
Staff at the Bradford centre – which includes call centre staff, customer service staff and travel agent support – were told about the plans yesterday.
