The Thomas Cook Group retail network is under threat with the potential closure of approximately 150 stores set to close in a shake-up expected to affect 2,500-2,800 job roles. The closures will mean the reduced total of outlets will stand at around 800 stores.
The group have revealed that the main brand will be Thomas Cook but that the Going Places brand will be retained in area that are to have more than one store. Other key brands within the Thomas Cook Group will include Airtours, Direct Holidays, Manos, Panorama, Sunset, Thomas Cook, as well as some other specialist holiday brands. The group’s total fleet of aircraft is to carry the Thomas Cook airlines brand.
The plans have come to fruition amid the integration of the former MyTravel and Thomas Cook businesses, which merged on 19 June 2007. Thomas Cook Group Joint Chief Executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa, said:
“Today’s announcement is about a significant UK reorganisation. As many as possible of those whose roles are potentially affected by today’s news will be offered the opportunity for redeployment within the business, as we are absolutely committed to retaining the skills and experience of all our workforce. However, we appreciate that some employees will either not want to take up our offer of redeployment or will not be able to do so. For those employees we will provide appropriate redundancy packages and full support.”
Under the proposals, sites within Rochdale, Manchester, Helmshore, Birmingham and Denton may all close.
