Rotherham job fears in travel firm merger

STAFF at a Rotherham travel agency face an uncertain future after Co-operative Travel merged with with Thomas Cook.

A 90-day redundancy consultation process has begun, with a total of 300 staff at Burslem, Manchester, Rotherham, Ilkeston and Lichfield affected.

It is not yet known how many jobs will be lost and at which branches.

The new joint venture said in a statement: “We have started a minimum 90-day consultation process with colleagues as we create one, stronger company for the future.

“The proposals are that the majority of functions that will support the new company should operate out of existing Thomas Cook UK bases.”

The joint venture’s chief executive Simon Robinson said: “By relocating certain functions and bringing together activities that support specific areas, we believe the sales, service and financial performances of the joint venture as a whole would improve.

“We have shared with our colleagues the location proposals and the steps we’ll take to support them through this process.”

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Usdaw national officer Sharon Ainsworth said: “This news will not be a big surprise to our members, but that does not make it any less devastating for them and their families.

“We were pleased that the Co-op have maintained 120 jobs at their Burslem office, working in the group’s membership division, but that will not fill the hole left by the relocation of their travel head office.

“While there may be some jobs available in Peterborough, it is unlikely that many of our members will be able to relocate, so unfortunately it looks like a redundancy situation for many.

“Consultations with the joint venture are ongoing and we will continue to examine their business case in detail.

“We will be working closely with the management of the joint venture to do everything possible to help our members with their efforts in gaining new employment.

“Our members in Co-operative Travel and Midlands Co-op have worked extremely hard in very difficult circumstances, while their future has hung in the balance for the past 12 months.

“Their professionalism and commitment has been exemplary.”