Hays Travel, which operates 3 branches on the Isle of Wight, has announced that up to 878 jobs are to be axed at the company.
The travel agent employs around 4,500 people nationwide, meaning today’s announcement will see approximately 20% of the workforce cut.
The Government’s decision to re-imposed quarantine restrictions on those returning from Spain, which has triggered holiday cancellations, has been blamed for the move.
Island Echo is told that all of the Foreign Exchange consultants on the Island have been made redundant – although this is yet to be confirmed.
Hays Travel operates a branch in Ryde, which opened in 1986, as well as branches in Newport (1959) and Shanklin (1996). They previously traded as Bath Travel.
John and Irene Hays, owners of Hays Travel, have said in a statement:
“We are devastated that after all of our efforts and the huge investment we’ve made we now face losing some of our valued employees, through no fault of their own.
“Following the decision to ban travel to Spain and the changes in furlough conditions coming at the same time, we have had no choice.
Article continues below this advertisement “We are also devastated for everyone who may lose their job and we will do all we can in consultations to help them, as we focus on retaining as many people as possible and rebuilding consumer confidence through our renowned friendly and knowledgeable customer service”.
Don’t believe a word of this rubbish as the decision was made well before the change in quarantine was made
Shame I use Hays in Ryde quite regularly and always find the staff very friendly and helpful. Suppose this was inevitable as we get used to the new ‘norm’.
Who these days needs to use one of these services when you can do it all online from the comfort of your own home?
Your right Steve, the high street has been dying for along time, online is crushing it. Don’t forget brexit aswell, recession was gonna hit this year. For anyone looking to go abroad…think twice, the more money we move out the weaking our economy…stop spending with tax evaders aswell…that money doesnt go back into the UK. The government have failed us by allowing this and not taxing them or imposing special taxes for they to avoid/loophole…as it stands it doesnt work…1% needs crippling, not the people that keep the world spinning.
Roll up roll up and collect your giro
Strange when people are IN work they often mouth off at how those on the dole have it so easy.
Yet, when the lose their jobs, then dole is not so appealing. Unless of course you have a lot of children so end up financially better off with rent and council tax paid. For single people it is not enough to live on.
True that many people don’t need these people now, as all can be done from a laptop or phone, without paying these people a cent.
Cent, where are we?
I remember too well struggling financially in the early days of bringing up 3 kids getting a mortgage etc. But luckily enough I was in work and doing extra hours to top up. Eventually we came out the other side wasn’t well off but comfortable. My heart goes out to people today who have not only been hit by this awful virus but the devastating economic crisis as well. Even being on the ‘dole’ is not that good with a lot of families. Trouble is that things are not going to get better for quite a time. Using words like dollars or cents is very common in our language so I understand what you’re saying.
It will be sad to lose the Ryde branch, if that does happen. I usually book my holidays online with no problems. But when it came to booking a holiday ‘of a lifetime’ I wanted to take no chances and booked through Hays. It cost me no more, I got the same deals. But I had the back up of the staff and their considerable knowledge. In Ryde they were a fantastic crew, so helpful. I always got my currency from them too. Really hope they survive this