On Tuesday (8 October), the TSSA union said it had come to an agreement with its specialist employment solicitors, Morrish and Co, to assist retail and head office staff pursue their claims.

A Protective Award is for compensation of up to 90 days’ gross pay for failure by an employer to inform and consult staff over dismissal on the grounds of redundancy, the TSSA said.

General secretary Manuel Cortes said: “It’s now well known Thomas Cook went to the wall through no fault of these workers who cared so much about the firm. We have been offering a wide range of support and assistance to our members who formally worked for Thomas Cook and know how vital that has been.

“It’s fantastic that Morrish and Co have backed our plan to pursue claims for Protective Awards for ex-Thomas Cook retail and head office staff who weren’t part of our TSSA family – provided they join our union for free until they find a new job.”

Cortes added Morrish and Co were offering their services on a no win, no fee basis meaning new members pay only an admin fee of 15% of the money paid to them in compensation.

The union is continuing to pursue claims from members prior to Cook’s collapse on their behalf for free.