More than 1,200 former Thomas Cook employees have been taken on by Hays Travel, after it snapped up all 555 of the collapsed holiday firm’s travel shops.
Hays Travel owners John and Irene Hays announced earlier this week that had completed the deal to acquire Thomas Cook’s entire retail estate, bringing hope to the thousands of former workers.
The pair revealed they had been seeking to bring on board 2,500 of the firm’s original staff, and had employed more than 400 by the time the property deal was completed, with managing director Mr Hays revealing many people had cried when they were offered their new jobs.
Now, two days after the landmark deal was announced, Mr and Mrs Hays say more than 40 shops have been reopened across the country – in Northumberland, Teesside, Tyne and Wear, Darlington, Yorkshire, Northern Ireland and Wales – and 1,210 people are now on the books, with more offers and contracts going out by the hour.
The couple also said they have been overwhelmed by the support they’ve had.
“We are really humbled at the fantastic response there has been from our wonderful staff, our customers, suppliers, friends and many complete strangers who believe in what we’re doing,” they said in a statement.
“There’s a huge will to see our high street shops thrive and we’re determined that we will be doing our bit for the travel industry with the help of everyone in the now extended Hays family.
“We’d like to thank everyone who has helped make this happen - we know the hard work is just beginning for our brilliant teams.”
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The firm said it intends to keep the stores trading profitably and building on some of the Hays Travel business approach and ethos, and that supported by its people, it is in good stead.
As Thomas Cook’s largest third party agent, Hays Travel had been mobilised before the travel company’s collapse, at the invitation of the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) and were ready to help rebook customers and offer other support as soon as it collapsed.
Now, the owners say Hays Travels’ independence as a travel company, together with its digital strategy and customer engagement through social media, will help it continue to grow and succeed where Thomas Cook failed.
The company added: “We have opened over 20 shops in the last few hours and more will open in the coming days. Please feel free to pop into your local branch and say hello to the familiar faces who are now new members of the Hays Travel family.”