King Street Thomas Cook Store to Reopen as Hays Travel
Company's rescue plan includes 'welcome' for staff who lost their jobs in September
The Thomas Cook retail outlet in Hammersmith's King Street could soon be reopened, after independent company Hays Travel promised to reopen all 555 shops, which shut their doors last month after the tour operator collapsed into administration.
The latest update from Hays Travel, issued today, said: " We are delighted to say that we now have many former Thomas Cook stores open with their original staff in place, and customers are popping in to welcome them back while we get trading up and running."
Hays Travel owners John and Irene Hays, pictured announcingthe news on ITV's Good Morning Britain, say 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.
“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.”
"We are re-opening all of the 555 Thomas Cook shops as soon as possible and we are making excellent progress to date. There are 1210 people on the books now with more offers and contracts going out by the hour.
"Our intention is to keep the stores trading profitably and building on some of the Hays Travel business approach and ethos, supported by our brilliant people, we are in good stead.
"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."
To date, shops have opened in Northumberland, Teesside, Tyne and Wear, Darlington, Yorkshire, Northern Ireland and Wales.
The company also say that, as they reopen the shops, they are ready to welcome many more of the Thomas Cook retail branch staff. Staff looking to reclaim their roles can find out more on this page or call the company's helpline on 0800 215 5995.
Meanwhile a dedicated support service is being provided by The Civil Aviation Authority to assist customers affected by the collapse of Thomas Cook, with information provided on a dedicated website .
September 24, 2019