Hays Travel are currently in consultations with 344 staff in training as travel consultants and 584 who are employed within the foreign exchange section of the company. Jobs at head office, apprentices and experienced travel sales staff will not be effected.
In a statemnet, John and Irene Hays have said that they have made “every possible effort” to protect the jobs of all of their staff, which totals 4,500, a figure which includes Thomas Cook staff after their collapse last year.
“The non-essential travel ban and quarantine requirements imposed on Spain just nine days ago have triggered the cancellation of hundreds of thousands of holidays,” the Hays said.
“There is a very strong latent demand for holidays and we know people will be booking holidays again as soon as they are able to do so.
“We have our retail staff continuing to look after customers who are rebooking, booking for next year, or requiring refunds, but no work for some sections of the business, and sadly, since the decision to ban travel to Spain, that is no longer sustainable.”
This will be the first time in their 40 years of operation that Hays will have had to make significant redundancies and Mr and Mrs Hays say they are “devastated after all our efforts and huge investment” that they now face losing some of their “valued employees, through no fault of their own.”
The statement from Hays continued: “Following the decision to ban travel to Spain and the changes in furlough conditions coming at the same time, we have had no choice.
“We are also devastated for everyone who may lose their job and we will do all we can in consultations to help them, as we focus on retaining as many people as possible and rebuilding consumer confidence through our renowned friendly and knowledgeable customer service.”
Hays Travel have outlines a 24-month plan which includes a new section in Glasgow where recruitment of 100 experienced staff for Hay’s tour operation will assist in the changes that have been necessary as they support the new model going forward.
