The move comes after Leger Shearings’ chief executive Liam Race heard about Peakes Travel managing director Claire Moore’s concerns over the impact the end of furlough would have on her staff members.

 
Even though the furlough scheme had been a "lifeline" to Moore, she still had to make seven staff redundant and place the remaining four on flexi-furlough.

As from Friday (1 October), Moore said she would only be able to employ her team on 75% pay and would have to shorten the agency’s opening hours to 10 – 4pm.

Race said the agreement is "mutually beneficial" as the operator will benefit from employing "experienced travel consultants".

"We’ve increased our product to meet demand but need more hands-on-deck to handle the increased bookings and customer service workload, which is set to get even busier as we resume our European escorted coach holidays," he added.
 
Moore said "it means the world" that her team can continue to receive their full salaries.

"Furlough was about to come to an end just at the point that sales traditionally slow down until the new year bookings boom," she added. 

"[The Peakes team] has always been our greatest asset, particularly so through the past 18 months and I am delighted that Leger Holidays and Shearings can benefit from their experience."