The company which took over Thomas Cook when it went bust have launched a drive to recruit a greater number of experienced travel agents to help them bounce back from the coronavirus crisis.
Hays Travel, the UK’s largest independent travel agent, are looking for additional staff to join them as their existing employees begin to re-open their 650 branches around the UK.
During lockdown, the company has had 3,000 retail staff working from home managing cancellations, refunds and re-booking.
The firm says many customers are now booking holidays for later this year or 2021 and are choosing a variety of destinations such as Greece, the Balearics and the Canaries.
The Hays Travel Peace of Mind Guarantee, applicable to some new bookings, means that cancellations within six weeks of departure will be refunded in full, with no additional charges.
Chair and joint owner of the firm, Irene Hays, said: “During the months of lockdown, many things have changed.
“We have some colleagues who were due to leave anyway, some who have decided on a change of lifestyle and some who will be taking maternity leave soon.
“There will be people in the travel industry who are looking at their options just now and we want to let them know we are recruiting.
“We will welcome people with the right skills and experience who can do their bit to help our industry recover and help more people get a holiday to look forward to.”
The company will also re-launch its recruitment drive for 700 apprentices which began before the pandemic hit.
“By September there will be lots of school leavers who might be interested in a career in travel and our paid apprenticeships, with a job at the end of them, are a fantastic opportunity,” added Irene.
Opportunities with the 40-year-old Sunderland-based company are available across the UK.
To find out more, visit careers page can be found at www.haystravel.co.uk/careers where applicants can click vacancies which will take them to a list of vacancies. Alternatively, you can call 0191 8148098 or
email [email protected] and one of the team will be able to assist.
As shops re-open, safety remains the priority for customers and staff, and social distancing, screens and hygiene measures are being put in place. All services are still available on line, by phone, email or by video
conferencing. With entry to the shops limited, customers are advised to call ahead to book an appointment.
