The collapse of Thomas Cook has caused an unprecedented “human crisis”, according to Abta LifeLine’s director.
The industry charity has been flooded with more than 400 enquires over the last two weeks from former Thomas Cook staff in desperate need of help.
Director Trudie Clements, who has been with the charity for eight years, said: “This is unprecedented. Not just in terms of the support that we are giving…this is a human crisis.”
Out-of-work former Thomas Cook staff from “all walks of life” have contacted Clements and her team on the phone and online since the travel giant’s collapse.
“We are talking about couples who both worked for Thomas Cook, single mums, and people that worked for Thomas Cook for 40 years,” she said.
More: Abta LifeLine targets hard up agents with new partnership
Thomas Cook liquidator pays out £18.4m in redundancy
“We are seeing a few enquiries from head office – but the majority are [Thomas Cook] agents or cabin crew. It does not matter what size house you have, you have still got to pay the bills.”
Although Clements said Abta LifeLine has done everything it can to offer to support Thomas Cook staff, the charity still needs to raise money to help those affected.
“We want people to do more to help us fundraise so we can continue the work that we’re doing,” she added. “We will do our best to reach out and help everybody.
“The demand is huge and we are doing our best to get back to everyone.”
Through Abta LifeLine, former Thomas Cook staff can access financial advice, help claiming benefits and emergency financial assistance thanks to a partnership with Citizens Advice Manchester.
Donations to Abta LifeLine can be made here.