Thomas Cook Airlines boss Christoph Debus has claimed the Government could have done more to save the firm and “there was not much help needed” to keep it afloat.
The French-German chief executive had presented a last-ditch plan in the hours before the 178-year-old company went bust.
Speaking for the first time since then, he said a large part of the £200million loan required would have come from hoteliers and other partners. And he said Brexit had not been “particularly helpful” to the firm.
Mr Debus said: “When I see how little was needed, on the one hand I understand the Government could not support it because if businesses don’t deliver, it’s the fault of the business. But with the repatriation, the cost for the economy of those losing their jobs.
“With a little help, and there was not much help needed, something could have been done. Especially in a time where, and I respect the decision of Brexit, but let’s be very clear, for our business in the UK Brexit has not been particularly helpful.
“With a little bit of help it would have had a much better solution.”
Mr Debus would not say precisely how much the Government was asked to chip in.
Former cabin crew worker Betty Knight said: “I agree with most of what he’s said but workers really feel the management washed their hands of us at the 11th hour.”
