Jobs to go at Abercrombie & Kent and Cox & Kings
Staff at luxury tour operators Abercrombie & Kent and Cox & Kings are braced for redundancies after management launched a consultation process.
Abercrombie & Kent bought Cox & Kings last December after it collapsed into administration, rescuing the jobs of its 66 employees, but Managing Director Kerry Golds said the impact of Covid-19 has forced it to make reductions across both businesses.
She said the move was necessary ‘in order to ensure that both businesses maintain their positions as leaders in the UK luxury market for years to come’. The staff consultation started on 8 July, but A&K has not said how many jobs it is looking to shed.
In a statement, Golds said: "While we have taken action to reduce costs wherever possible, including the utilisation of the Government Retention Scheme, unfortunately these actions have not been sufficient due to the reduction in consumer demand. As a result, we have made the difficult decision to make reductions across both businesses.
"I have been incredibly proud of the way that all our staff, both those working and those on furlough, have approached the last few months with support and commitment to the business. As we move into the recovery phase of this crisis, our aim is to redefine the structure of the business for the future, preserving as many roles as we can, and supporting everyone, both professionally and personally, during these challenging times."
She suggested both brands would be retained, adding: "Our vision for both brands remains unchanged, and we will continue to deliver the excellent service and outstanding travel experiences across our tailor-made, escorted small group tours, beaches and villas portfolios across both the Abercrombie & Kent and Cox & Kings brands.
"The global Abercrombie & Kent group is better placed than many to deal with the impact of Covid-19, but we must adapt to ensure its future and I have every confidence that when the tourism industry recovers the Abercrombie & Kent and Cox & Kings brands will continue to lead the way."
By Linsey McNeill, Editor (UK)
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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