Thousands of Thomas Cook jobs saved as UK stores bought up

9 October 2019, 10:39

Hays travel has bought up 555 stores, potentially saving up to 2,500 jobs

Hundreds of UK Thomas Cook stores have been bought up by Hays Travel, who have promised to re-employ many original staff.

The independent travel company, which also operates Just Go Travel, have bought 555 stores following Thomas Cook's collapse last month - which could save up to 2,500 jobs in total.

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Hays Travel said they will employ a 'significant number' of Thomas Cook staff, and have already offered jobs to 421 people.

Its managing directors John and Irene Hays said: “Thomas Cook was a much-loved brand employing talented people.

“We look forward to working with many of them.”

And John added"It is a game-changer for us, almost trebling the number of shops we have and doubling our workforce - and for the industry, which will get to keep some of its most talented people. Our staff were devastated to hear about Thomas Cook and we all immediately felt we wanted to help."

Jim Tucker, a partner at KPMG and joint special manager of Thomas Cook’s retail division, said, according the the Guardian: “This is an extremely positive outcome, and we are delighted to have secured this agreement.

"It provides re-employment opportunities for a significant number of former Thomas Cook employees and secures the future of retail sites up and down the UK high street."