New blow for depressed region as 468 jobs axed

The firm said it would shut its base in Bradford city centre by next March leading to the loss of 468 jobs.

Last night political leaders expressed their shock, branding the latest losses “dreadful”.

A total of 537 people are employed at the base, with another 113 in nearby Birkenshaw, where 69 new positions are being created. Another 244 roles are being created elsewhere in the UK, Thomas Cook said, as it restructures its business which plunged into crisis last year.

The firm’s Ian Ailles said: “We looked at several options as part of our location strategy review and today’s proposal is considered to be the most effective.

“Whilst this proposal is understandably disappointing for our colleagues in Bradford, we are committed to our operations in the UK which will now see additional opportunities at Birkenshaw, Peterborough and Falkirk.”

Last night the leader of Bradford Council, Labour’s Coun David Green, said he was shocked by the job losses.

“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,” he said.

“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. We are disappointed that the company did not contact us prior to making this announcement.

“Our sympathies go out to the people affected and their families – my message is support is out there and we will do everything we can to help them.”

Manuel Cortes, leader of the TSSA travel industry union, put the blame on previous management, calling it a “scandal”.

Bradford West MP George Galloway branded it a “shattering body blow” which would leave the city becoming “almost a twilight zone” if it was not reversed.

Thomas Cook posted losses of £262.7m for last winter, and last month revealed Harriet Green, former boss of the Leeds-based electrical components distributor Premier Farnell, would lead its turnaround strategy.

In November, the company was forced to go to its lenders to ask for a £100m lifeline, sparking fears of a collapse. It says it is hopeful it has a platform for recovery, focusing on fewer better-quality hotels and more bookings.