Want to work for Hays Travel? Sunderland firm launches recruitment drive as it looks to bounce back from pandemic

Hays Travel is working to boost its ranks with experienced travel agents as it works to bounce back from the coronavirus crisis.
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The Sunderland firm, which took over Thomas Cook late last year after it went bust, has launched a drive to take on a greater number of people with a background in the industry as it works to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

The company, which is the UK's largest independent travel agent, is looking for additional staff to join them as their existing employees begin to re-open their 650 branches around the UK.

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Hays Travel, which is led by John and Irene Hays, has launched a drive to recruit a greater number of experienced travel agents to help them bounce back from the coronavirus crisis.Hays Travel, which is led by John and Irene Hays, has launched a drive to recruit a greater number of experienced travel agents to help them bounce back from the coronavirus crisis.
Hays Travel, which is led by John and Irene Hays, has launched a drive to recruit a greater number of experienced travel agents to help them bounce back from the coronavirus crisis.
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During lockdown, the company has had 3,000 retail staff working from home managing cancellations, refunds and re-booking.

The firm says many customers are now booking holidays for later this year or 2021 and are choosing destinations such as Greece, the Balearics and the Canaries.

The Hays Travel Peace of Mind Guarantee, applicable to some new bookings, means that cancellations within six weeks of departure will be refunded in full, with no additional charges.

Chairman and joint owner of the firm, Irene Hays, said: "During the months of lockdown, many things have changed.

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"We have some colleagues who were due to leave anyway, some who have decided on a change of lifestyle and some who will be taking maternity leave soon.

"There will be people in the travel industry who are looking at their options just now and we want to let them know we are recruiting.

"We will welcome people with the right skills and experience who can do their bit to help our industry recover and help more people get a holiday to look forward to."

The company will also re-launch its recruitment drive for 700 apprentices which began before the pandemic hit.

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"By September there will be lots of school leavers who might be interested in a career in travel and our paid apprenticeships, with a job at the end of them, are a fantastic opportunity," added Irene.

Opportunities with the 40-year-old company, which has its headquarters in Keel Square, are available across the UK.

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