Seven Thomas Cook Group shops have avoided the axe after successfully contesting closure plans.
The Thomas Cook Group had intended to close 151 Thomas Cook and Going Places shops following its merger in June, but gave threatened stores the chance to appeal.
Twenty-one shops challenged the decision and were re-evaluated based on four criteria: financial, commercial, location and lease. Seven agencies won a change of heart from bosses, although it has not been revealed where they all are.
Staff at the shops have avoided potential redundancy or relocation.
Stockton Thomas Cook manager Manda Perkovic said: “The staff and I are delighted. We felt sure our store still had so much to offer the business that when given the opportunity to challenge the decision we were committed to proving our store could exceed the credentials required.
“We’re proud to be part of the business at such an exciting time.”
Shops on the closure list are expected to close by the end of the year, while an announcement is expected next month on how many staff face redundancy – as many as 2,500 could lose their jobs.
Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association senior regional organiser Rick Justham welcomed the reprieve, adding: “Although we’re still disappointed some shops are closing we feel Thomas Cook has looked at each of these on a business-by-business basis and we are pleased some shops are staying open.”
Some of the 90-day staff consultation periods finish at the end of next week. High-profile casualties are understood to include former Going Places managing director Tim Clancy.
This week Nigel David, former managing director of Style Holidays owned by Thomas Cook, joined software company Eviivo as chief executive.