Hays Travel re-opens 138 former Thomas Cook branches - and took the first booking in South Shields

Hays Travel has so far re-opened 138 former Thomas Cook branches with many more to follow this week.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The UK’s largest independent travel agent, and Sunderland based company, has announced it is well on its way to opening all of the 555 former Thomas Cook branches as Hays Travel stores, following the company’s shock collapse.

The first Hays Travel holiday booked in a Thomas Cook shop took place at the Denmark Centre in South Shields last week and since then more bookings have been taking place all over the country.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And in Sunderland, new branding was tried out at the former Thomas Cook store in The Bridges.

Hays Travel founder John Hays.Hays Travel founder John Hays.
Hays Travel founder John Hays.

Thousands of Thomas Cook staff lost their jobs following the firm’s announcement on Monday, September 23, that it had ceased trading.

The company’s collapse came after efforts to put together a bail-out package failed.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Since then Hays Travel has held numerous recruitment days and taken on staff across the country in roles such as roles such as retail, homeworking and head office.

Hays Travel founder John Hays is reopening all of the closed Thomas Cook stores.Hays Travel founder John Hays is reopening all of the closed Thomas Cook stores.
Hays Travel founder John Hays is reopening all of the closed Thomas Cook stores.

It said all of those interested in roles have been offered interviews and of those who have been successful in gaining a role have been given permanent contracts.

Founder John Hays said: “Irene and I have been taken aback by the good will and well wishes from the public over the past few days.

“It really has been humbling.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We’re so proud of our wonderful teams, both old and new, who have come together working around the clock to get as many new branches up and running as quickly as possible.”

Those interested in applying for roles at Hays Travel should contact the recruitment team.

The Hays Travel recruitment helpline is open all week on: 0800 215 5995.