Manchester airport is holding a dedicated employment fair for former Thomas Cook employees based in the North West.
The event will be held at the airport’s Runway Visitor Park on 3 October and potential employers who have already confirmed their attendance include Manchester Airports Group, Tui, Jet2.com, Whitbread, RAC and the NHS.
As well as job opportunities, it will also offer one-to-one advice and direct people to relevant sources of information, advice and guidance about work, skills and training opportunities; how to claim redundancy payments and benefits; and wider wellbeing support.
The event will take place between 10am and 6pm and includes a rolling programme of support sessions, which people must sign-up for before visiting employers and other support organisations.
Former Thomas Cook and supply chain employees must register their attendance at the Employment Fair in advance by visiting gmthomascook.com.
Free public transport to the event is being provided by Manchester airport and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), details of which will be made available on the website.
Mark Hughes, chief executive of the Growth Company and Chair of the GM Taskforce established in the wake of the Cooks crash, said: “This has been a very difficult time for the 3,000 former Thomas Cook employees in the North West and those in the wider supply chain.
“We have already been able to reach many of those affected through a dedicated website which has had over 5,000 visitors so far, along with our helpline, email and drop-ins, which are receiving enquiries every day.
“We hope this Employment Fair will enable us to reach out to as many of those affected as possible so we can continue to provide the right support for those who need it most.
“The support we have put in place through the taskforce will remain for as long as it is needed to ensure people have access to ongoing help beyond this initial period of uncertainty.”
Manchester airport chief executive Andrew Cowan said: “The whole of the Manchester airport community was shocked and saddened by the news of Thomas Cook’s collapse.
“We are aware of the significant impact this has had on Thomas Cook’s 3,000 employees in the region, the majority of whom were close colleagues and friends of ours.
“That is why we are determined to come together as an airport community, and to work with our partners in the city and wider region, to do all we can to help those who have sadly lost their jobs.
“There are so many talented and experienced people who have found themselves in this predicament through no fault of their own, so we hope this event will provide some help and support to them at this challenging time.”