More than 65 employers are set to attend a new specialist employment fair in Manchester to support former Thomas Cook and supply chain staff from across the north west of England.
Monday’s event, organised by the GM Task Force, set up by the mayor of Greater Manchester in the wake of the collapse of Thomas Cook, will provide support and employment opportunities for affected staff.
It will have a particular focus on those who previously worked in engineering, maintenance, cabin crew and the Thomas Cook supply chain.
Companies including British Airways, Marriott Hotels, Apple and Barclays will be on hand to speak to potential candidates about current vacancies on offer.
A marketplace directing people to relevant sources of information and providing one-to-one advice for those looking for support around personal wellbeing, starting your own business and financial issues will also be in place throughout the day on a drop-in basis. This will be supported by not-for-profit social enterprise Growth Company, Jobcentre Plus, Citizens Advice and the Money Advice Service and partners.
Mark Hughes, chief executive of Growth Company and chair of the GM Taskforce, said: “Our first employment fair was able to reach over 1,000 former Thomas Cook and supply chain staff but we know, despite the welcome lifeline from Hays Travel, who are in the process of re-opening the company’s retail units, that there are many more people across the wider North West in need of our ongoing support.
“As a major centre of airline operations, there is still much to do to ensure that employees from across all areas of Thomas Cook continue to get the support they need, as well as those within the supply chain who are now starting to feel the impact.
“Just last month, ground-handling firm Aviator confirmed that it anticipates ceasing all operations at Manchester airport, putting 350 jobs at risk.”
As well as job opportunities, the event will provide dedicated careers advice and practical workshops delivered by the National Careers Service which people will be able to book onto in advance.
Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said: “This employment event is a demonstration of Greater Manchester’s ongoing support for those affected by the sudden collapse of Thomas Cook.
“More than 3,000 north west-based former employees were suddenly without jobs and I am incredibly proud of the practical support we have been able to provide in the days and weeks that followed the announcement.
“By joining forces to make a difference, public and private sector partners have reassured those people affected that they are not on their own.
“This event, which focuses on some of the specialist sectors and supply chain staff affected by the job losses, will deliver targeted support when and where it is most needed.
“We promised to help in any way we could and that is what we will continue to do.”