Thomas Cook restructure will 'transform operations'
Thomas Cook has entered a 90-consultation with some of its UK employees on a three-year programme to "transform its operations".
The consultation will consider plans to:
Close 195 high street stores, whilst retaining 874 outlets on British high streets
Place a number of administrative and managerial roles at risk, at Head Offices in Peterborough and Preston, whilst proposing the closure of its Accrington office
Change some terms and conditions in order to make further efficiencies, thereby safeguarding additional roles
Thomas Cook currently employees 15,500 people in the UK and it is anticipated that approximately 2,500 full-time roles will go if the proposed changes go ahead.
Bradford Council is seeking urgent talks with travel giants Thomas Cook in the hope of salvaging something from the shock announcement that the company plans to shut its city centre offices with the loss of hundreds of jobs. Chris Kiddey reports.
Thomas Cook chief executive's statement on job cuts
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.
– Ian Ailles, chief executive Mainstream at Thomas Cook UK & Ireland,
Travel expert Sandra Murray has been reacting to the news of job losses.
I'm devastated by the news it's a real surprise. Can't believe they're doing this as the Bradford site has been open for ages. It's awful for the people who work there. The staff have always been loyal, I'm just really sorry to hear the news and my thoughts go out to those affected."
Speaking to Calendar within the last few minutes, Yorkshire travel writer David Hoyle has been reacting to the news of job losses at Thomas Cook in Bradford.
This is a sad day for West Yorkshire and the travel industry but sadly a sign of the times, I'd say all the people working there should keep their heads up- quality people will survive and hopefully they'll find redeployment within the firm. There are opportunities out there and the travel industry is not shrinking - just changing."
Hundreds of jobs at Thomas Cook in Bradford are to be lost after the travel company announced it is closing its call centre in the city by March next year.
537 people work at the Godwin Street site. 69 positions are going to be created in Birkenshaw, but that will leave 468 redundancies. A further 244 positions will be created at other sites around the country, which those affected can apply for.
