Furlough has played a vital role in sustaining travel industry jobs over the past 18 months.

But the decision to wind the scheme down last month comes as a major blow to an industry that has been unable to truly start trading its way out of the Covid crisis.

Government figures from early September revealed nearly 27,000 travel agent and tour operator staff were still on furlough at the end of July, with thousands more in the travel and tourism supply chain also likely to have been reliant on furlough.

For many agents, it has been an uncertain and troubling time, with industry leaders and agency bosses alike aligned in their calls for furlough to be extended, and in their warnings about the consequences of the scheme ending.

Last month, TTG Top 50 top online agency Holidaysplease offered agents facing the prospect of redundancy a lifeline, pledging to waive its joining fee for those having to make a fresh start.

Here’s what they and other TTG Top 50 online and homeworking agencies are doing to help.

Designer Travel

Founded in 2007 by three former Co-op travel directors, Ramsbottom’s Designer Travel now supports more than 100 home-based self employed business associates across the UK. Set-up fees depend on new entrants’ needs, ranging from £0 to £500. There are three commission tiers and access to a wide range of suppliers, as well as training and business development resources. Designer Travel also offers fam opportunities and hosts its own an annual overseas conference.

Holidaysplease

Birmingham-based Holidaysplease was formed in 2002 as a joint venture between the owner of a high street agency and online entrepreneur, and is part of the Hays Travel Independence Group. It currently employs 45 HQ staff and has around 90 homeworkers, but aims to grow to 100. It has waived its £387 joining fee for anyone who has been made redundant and applies to join in October, and charges no monthly fee. Homeworkers get 24-hour access to the firm’s pooled leads and enquiries, with average booking values ranging from £7,000 to £8,000. Commission is uncapped and hours are flexible.

Not Just Travel 

Not Just Travel was founded in 2001 in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and is headquartered in Bournemouth. To date, it has helped more than 900 people set up as homeworkers or franchisees and is in the early stages of a major expansion. Packages start from £2,995 + VAT for those new to the industry, with other bespoke options available for existing travel professionals to suit their needs so they can run their businesses as intensively as they wish. New recruits will have access to in-depth training resources, while the firm’s ethos is to encourage its homeworkers to become entrepreneurs themselves.

The Personal Travel Agents at Midcounties Co-operative Travel

The PTAs are the homeworking division of Walsall-based Midcounties Cooperative. The operation began in 2011 and now has 170 self-employed PTAs on its books. Benefits of setting up with the PTAs include the services of a team of support staff and the backing of the Co-op brand. Midcounties is currently offering any prospective entrants a three-month free trial opportunity, allowing anyone interested in becoming a PTA the chance to experience the offering. Fees (joining/annual) are variable, depending on circumstances.

Travel Counsellors 

Bolton’s Travel Counsellors was founded in 1994 and now has more than 2,000 homeworking Travel Counsellors on its books globally, 1,400 of whom are in the UK. It offers more than a dozen operating models to suit different objectives and types of business, with joining fees from £295. It cites as its key benefits a supportive, “people-first” culture and strong internal community, the backing of a trusted brand with a long-standing reputation, and a heavy focus on tech to offer TCs maximum flexibility. “We encourage anyone facing an uncertain future to get in touch, we can support in many ways at a difficult time for the industry,” said the firm.

The Holiday Village

The Holiday Village is a fourth-generation family-run agency headquartered in Blackpool with a homeworking cohort of 60. There is no joining fee or monthly fee, with homeworkers earning 65% commission. They also benefit from round-the-clock admin and sales support seven days a week, and a business phone line with business calls paid for. New recruits will get a marketing toolkit including business cards, bespoke leaflets, as well as social media support.