Travel agent to cut 880 jobs due to impact of coronavirus
TRAVEL agent Hays Travel has announced it will have to cut 880 jobs due to the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
Business owners John and Irene Hays say the company is facing the worst financial and business crisis in its 40-year history.
In October 2019, Hays Travel took on 2,000 extra staff and bought hundreds of Thomas Cook stores after the company collapsed.
However, on Thursday 12 March, the company asked staff to take voluntary leave or reduce their hours as thousands of people cancel holiday plans due to fears of catching or spreading the virus.
It is not clear how many jobs will be cut at the travel agent's stores in Hexham and Prudhoe.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here