Dozens of employers in the northwest, offering thousands of job opportunities, will be at a Manchester employment fair for ex-Thomas Cook workers.
The Manchester airport event will be on Thursday October 3, with employers such as Manchester Airports Group, Tui, Jet2.com, Whitbread, RAC and the NHS.
Jobseekers will be offered one-to-one advice about work and training opportunities; information about claiming redundancy payments and benefits; and well-being support.
Other exhibitors will be Jobcentre Plus, Citizens Advice, the Money Advice Service, and the Airport Academy training centre.
The event will take place between 10am and 6pm, with a rolling programme of support sessions, which attendees must sign up for, before visiting employers and other support organisations.
Former Thomas Cook and supply chain employees must register their attendance in advance by visiting www.gmthomascook.com.
Free public transport to the event is being provided by Manchester airport and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
The jobs fair is being supported by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), the Growth Company and the office of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, along with partners Manchester airport, Jobcentre Plus, Citizens Advice the Money Advice Service and Unite the union.
A task force has been set up in Greater Manchester to support those affected by Thomas Cook’s collapse.
Mark Hughes, chief executive of the Growth Company and chair of the taskforce, said: “This has been a very difficult time for the 3,000 former Thomas Cook employees in the northwest and those in the wider supply chain.
“We have already been able to reach many of those affected through a dedicated website which has had over 5,000 visitors so far, and our helpline, email and drop-ins which are receiving enquiries every day.
“We hope this Employment Fair will enable us to reach out to as many of those affected as possible so we can continue to provide the right support for those who need it most.
“The support we have put in place through the taskforce will be in place for as long as it is needed to ensure people have access to ongoing help beyond this initial period of uncertainty.”
Andrew Cowan, Manchester airport chief executive, said: “The whole of the Manchester airport community was shocked and saddened by the news of Thomas Cook’s collapse.
“We are determined to come together as an airport community, and to work with our partners in the city and wider region, to do all we can to help those who have sadly lost their jobs.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham (pictured), said: “Those people affected by Thomas Cook’s collapse will, quite understandably, be taking stock and deciding what they need to do to respond to this very challenging situation.
“By putting them in touch with employers across the northwest who have immediate vacancies, we hope it won’t be long before they are back in work.”
For more information, visit www.gmthomascook.com, call 0161 393 6443 or email info@gmthomascook.com
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