Hays Travel to make 878 staff redundant – 20% of work force – due to coronavirus
HAYS Travel is set to make 878 staff redundant out of 4,500 workers due to coronavirus' impact on travel industry.
The move means 20 per cent of the travel agents workforce now face losing their jobs.
The travel company said the Government's decision to advise against non-essential travel and reimpose quarantine requirements for holidays to Spain "triggered the cancellation of hundreds of thousands of holidays".
It also blamed changes to the furlough scheme, as employers must now pay national insurance and pension contributions.
Hays Travel owners John and Irene Hays said: "We are devastated that after all of our efforts and the huge investment we've made we now face losing some of our valued employees, through no fault of their own.
"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."
The travel firm has been offering a "peace of mind guarantee" for holidaymakers, offering 100 per cent refunds on selected trips up to six weeks ahead of departures.
Hays Travel stepped in and bought 555 Thomas Cook shops when the agent went bust last year, saving thousands of jobs.
We reported on how staff cried tears of joy when they heard their jobs had been saved.
Hays Travel isn't the only travel firm that has been affected by financial troubles due to the pandemic.
Last month, travel bosses warned that quarantine measures will "kill" the industry with thousands of jobs lost.
Most read in Money
Last week, Tui announced the closure of 166 shops. It has also announced plans to cut 8,000 roles worldwide.
Tui's rivals have also struggled due to the crisis, with easyJet, British Airways and Ryanair also cutting thousands of jobs.
While plane manufacturer Airbus is axing 1,700 jobs at its two UK factories.