Thomas Cook: Employee given former job back 'within minutes' in Dudley

The travel agent collapsed last month

Author: Megan JonesPublished 21st Oct 2019

Last month, thousands of Thomas Cook employees were told they'd lost their jobs as the travel company collapsed.

Last-minute negotiations failed to save the tour operator.

It also meant around 150,000 British tourists were stranded abroad and thousands of people were left unable to go on their holidays.

But, earlier this month it was announced the independent travel agent Hays Travel was going to buy more than 500 Thomas Cook stores.

The move could save more than 2000 jobs.

Now, Thomas Cook stores are reopening under a new Hays Travel name with the company saying they aim to reopen "as many as we logistically can as soon as possible".

In a statement on their website they continue to say:

"In coming to Hays Travel you can be assured that we will be doing our utmost to build upon all that was good about the much-loved Thomas Cook brand. And we will share with you our own strong values and belief in our people as we work together to ensure a smooth transition for the whole of the business."

We've been to the former Thomas Cook store in Dudley's Merry Hill today to speak to 23-year-old Matthew.

He used to work at Monarch and then Thomas Cook before they collapsed.

But, got his job back "within minutes" at the new Hays Travel store:

"None of us knew anything, it was a massive shock.

"It was heartbreaking to see so many friends and colleagues who lost their jobs, and all the families that are going to be affected.

"My best friend had just booked a wedding with us a few months prior, so it really hit home.

"I woke up on the morning it happened and my mum said 'you've lost your job' so that's how I found out.

"I had a holiday booked with Thomas Cook, so my holiday was cancelled as well as losing my job.

"Massive, massive twist of story line though, as Hays Travel have bought Thomas Cook out.

"I just didn't think we'd ever come back in here, I'm really happy to be back.

"We are officially opening today, we're just cleaning up and then we'll open up our doors."