ABTA is calling on the Chancellor to keep his pledge to do “whatever it takes” to keep people in work by considering “a few months additional support for staff in the travel industry”.
ABTA also reiterated the need “for tailoring of support measures to retain the highest possible number of jobs” to help the struggling industry survive.
An ABTA spokesperson said: “The existing furlough scheme has been welcomed by the travel industry, but it is now time for the UK Government to recognise the need for tailoring of support measures to retain the highest possible number of jobs.
“A few months additional support for staff in the travel industry would see businesses enter the key booking period for summer 2021, which occurs around the turn of the year, and maximise the chances of recovery for travel agents and tour operators, potentially saving tens of thousands of jobs in the process.
“Other countries, such as Australia, are moving to a more targeted system of salary support in the next phase of economic recovery from COVID-19, and we urge HM Treasury to consider this approach in the UK, which would enable the Chancellor to meet his pledge to do “whatever it takes” to keep people in work.”
