A TOTAL OF 160 MyTravel staff are in consultation over
their future amid plans to shut the Manchester call centre.
This follows MyTravel’s proposal less than a fortnight
ago to merge Bridge Travel and Cresta Holidays, with redundancies described as
“highly likely”.
The latest move to consolidate the three Holidayline
call centres into its Newcastle and Accrington sites is part of a cost-cutting
programme to turn around the company’s fortunes. Observers said the move came
as “no surprise”.
Staff at the leased Deansgate call centre enter a
90-day consultation on Monday. Many are expected to lose their jobs if the
proposal goes ahead. Although staff would be offered relocation packages it is
unlikely many will move to Accrington or Newcastle.
A spokeswoman said some staff would be able to
relocate within MyTravel.
“This is not definitely going ahead but it’s our
preferred option. Clearly it’s more difficult to manage three centres than two
and not as cost-effective.”
It is understood First Choice has approached MyTravel
to take 50 staff for its 300-strong Salford call centre.