Hays Travel is to cut up to 878 jobs out of a total workforce of 4,500

Hays Travel is to cut up to 878 jobs out of a total workforce of 4,500 people, the firm announced.

The travel company said it has "made every possible effort" to avoid job losses "during these extraordinary and distressing times".

It was "on track for recovery" when the Foreign and Commonwealth Office stopped advising against all non-essential travel in early July, but the recent decision to reintroduce restrictions for people going to Spain "triggered the cancellation of hundreds of thousands of holidays".

Hays Travel owners John and Irene Hays said: "We are devastated that after all of our efforts and the huge investment we've made we now face losing some of our valued employees, through no fault of their own.

"Following the decision to ban travel to Spain and the changes in furlough conditions coming at the same time, we have had no choice.

"We are also devastated for everyone who may lose their job and we will do all we can in consultations to help them, as we focus on retaining as many people as possible and rebuilding consumer confidence through our renowned friendly and knowledgeable customer service."

John and Irene Hays said they were devastated over the job losses (ITV/REX)

Hays surprised many in October 2019 when it said it was taking charge of all of Thomas Cook's 555 travel agents across the UK, after the 178-year-old firm went out of business.

This prevented thousands of staff from losing their jobs.

Hays said it has had "no significant redundancies in its 40-year existence".

It is consulting with 344 employees who are training as travel consultants and 534 who work in its foreign exchange division.

It's the latest blow to staff working in the UK's travel industry, after Tui said it would close 166 high street outlets last week - putting 900 jobs at risk.

Tui managing director Andrew Flintham said: "Customer behaviours have already changed in recent years, with 70% of all Tui UK bookings taking place online.

"We believe Covid-19 has only accelerated this change in purchasing habits, with people looking to buy online or wishing to speak with travel experts from the comfort of their own home."