Jobs under threat at Riviera Travel
Riviera Travel has entered into a 30-day consultation period with its staff as it looks to cut its payroll due to the effects of the pandemic.
Some 95 jobs are at risk at the Derbyshire-based firm, 85 of them at its Burton HQ.
Chief executive Phil Hullah said the firm was being forced to take ‘incredibly difficult decisions’.
"The travel industry has been hard-hit by the pandemic; many firms are having to take incredibly difficult decisions to cut costs and some have simply gone out of business," he said in a statement.
"Despite the crisis, Riviera Travel remains a strong company with a passion for curating outstanding holiday experiences.
"We took rapid steps to protect customers and the business as the crisis began. However, it is now clear that its impact is likely to be more severe and more long-term than any of us expected.
"Whilst we are encouraged that confidence is building for travel in 2021, and by the number of customers who have transferred their holidays from 2020 to 2021, we recognise there are still uncertainties and that demand is unlikely to return in full. Our business needs to change to ensure that we are strongly positioned to continue to delight customers and provide a sustainable and exciting future for our team in the years to come.
"I want to pay tribute to the Riviera family who have shown tremendous commitment and resolve during this crisis, focusing on what is best for our customers at all times, whilst dealing with the consequences of lockdown for themselves. I am personally devastated at the prospect of losing such valued colleagues.
"Despite the difficult decisions we have had to take, the service we deliver to our customers will be protected and we will continue to invest in those areas that enhance our customers experience. Whilst the coming months will no doubt continue to be challenging, we are confident that by taking these steps our business will thrive in the future.
"Working with our travel agent partners is an essential component of our future success and we are retaining our entire on the road team and are in fact increasing the front-line support we have in place for agents.
"Although there is some uncertainty, there is also a great yearning for travel to return and people can book a future Riviera trip with confidence – destinations are starting to open and we are working with suppliers on enhanced safety standards and additional support for our tour managers who accompany our guests ensuring they have a great time and a safe time."
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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