Co-operative Travel stores in Ormskirk and Maghull set to be axed with 12 jobs at risk

Mar 14 2013 by Rob Pattinson, Ormskirk Advertiser

THOMAS Cook is set to close its Co-operative Travel branches in Ormskirk and Maghull as part of a national cost-cutting drive.

Six jobs are at risk at the travel agency store on Moorgate in Ormskirk town centre, while a further six posts are set to go at Maghull’s Central Square branch.

But the store based at the Concourse in Skelmersdale is not among those affected by the changes.

Thomas Cook announced last week that hundreds of jobs were to go with 195 Thomas Cook and Co-operative Travel outlets – which it owns – set to be axed.

It has now revealed which stores it plans to close and launched a 90-day consultation period with those affected.

The firm’s call centre in Accrington is also set to go as part of a back office shake-up.

Joanna Wild, managing director of the Thomas Cook Co-operative retail network, said: “As a large retailer we regularly review our network to make sure we have the right stores in the right places for our customers and regrettably there are occasions where we need to close certain branches.

“Following the announcement that the Co-operative Travel stores in Ormskirk and Maghull are proposed to close, we are now working with those colleagues who are potentially affected. We’d like to thank both our colleagues and customers for the commitment and understanding during this process.”

Shopworkers' Union Usdaw is meeting with firm bosses and said it would be doing all it could to support staff in the “difficult weeks and months ahead”.

Following the news of the proposed closures, West Lancs MP Rosie Cooper said: “I am disappointed by this announcement. This is a very difficult and stressful time for all the staff and their families. I say this as someone who has been made redundant in the past.

“I will be working closely with Usdaw and Co-operative Travel to ensure the best deal for Ormskirk staff during the 90-day consultation period.”