Council pledge on Thomas Cook

BRADFORD Council has promised to do all it can to help more than 500 workers facing possible redundancy after travel agent Thomas Cook confirmed plans to close its office in the city.

Thomas Cook last month announced half year losses of £713m having recently completed a major refinancing.

The decision to close the Bradford office puts around 530 staff at risk although the company expects some to be found roles elsewhere in the business.

Bradford Council leader David Green said: “This is dreadful news for everyone who works at Thomas Cook’s Bradford office and my thoughts are with them. Everyone has known the travel business generally, and the company, has been going through difficult times but this is still a shock.

“We will be seeking an urgent meeting with the company and our partners to discuss how we can best help the employees who are losing their jobs to find alternative employment.”

Harriet Green is set to join Thomas Cook as its new chief executive at the end of July, joining from Leeds-based Premier Farnell.