More jobs go but South Devon Thomas Cook branches 'escape'
MORE jobs have been lost in South Devon — but local Thomas Cook travel outlets have escaped a nationwide axe.
It has been claimed that Paignton-based hi-tech company Syntech Technologies have laid off 15 staff, although the firm have not been available to comment.
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jobs lost: Costcutter in Newton Abbot
Five jobs have also gone at the Costcutter convenience store in Newton Abbot.
A shop floor assembly line worker who worked for Syntech for almost nine years, claimed she was one of those laid off.
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She said: "We're all devastated. I thought I would be there until I retired."
The former employee, who has never been on benefits, said: "I enjoyed working there. I don't know what I'm going to do now."
Despite repeated attempts to contact Syntech Technologies, nobody from their Aspen Way premises responded.
Five out of 12 workers have been made redundant following a short consultation at Newton Abbot's Costcutter store in Queen Street.
Selection for redundancy was made by using the company's scoring system that each employee could complete in store.
One worker, who didn't wish to be named said: "A member of staff burst into tears when they heard the news that they'd lost their job and was comforted by another worker."
A GMB spokesman claimed "Costcutter cuts costs by cutting loyal staff by means of a number game."
But a Costcutter spokesman said: "Having taken ownership of this store from an independent retailer, it became apparent that the trading levels of the business could not support the existing number of staff.
"Unfortunately, it was therefore necessary to make some redundancies.
"Accordingly, a formal redundancy process was followed in accordance with employment regulations."
The latest news came a week after major job losses at Buckfast Spinning Company and at Dreams bed store in Riviera Way, Torquay, and the possibility of up to 90 redundancies at Creative Foods in Coombe Lane, Watcombe, Torquay.
Torbay mayor Gordon Oliver and the Torbay Development Agency confirmed they have been in contact with Creative Food to offer support.
Organisations and district councils have been busy providing support for the 120 staff now jobless following the closure of Buckfast Spinning Company.
Teignbridge Council sent two officers to Buckfast to meet with the former workers. They saw more than 50 people and gave advice on council tax, housing benefit, homelessness and debt management.
Supermarket chain Morrisons has also now set up a food bank at its Coronation Road, Totnes, store to help former workers.
But there was a glimmer of hope for holiday firm Thomas Cook after all three branches in Newton Abbot, Torquay and Paignton escaped the axe. Last week, it was confirmed the company would close almost 200 of its outlets.
7 Comments
by nicold
Saturday, March 16 2013, 10:38AM
“I went into Thomas Cook for a quote on a flight to China and compared it with on-line...£200 cheaper on-line! I don't intend throwing money away!”
by Paignton Pier
Saturday, March 16 2013, 12:00AM
“To nicold, we usually book our own flights and accomodation and have saved money in the past but we have just returned from our first ski holiday which we booked through Thomas Cook. The advice that we received from the manager in Paignton was excellent. Taking into account the cost of flights, transfers, accomodation, lift passes, ski and boot hire and ski lessons, we could not have done it for less. We had a fantastic holiday and will be going back next year. And it will definately be with Thomas Cook, glad they will still be around to take our money!”
by Paignton Pier
Saturday, March 16 2013, 12:00AM
“To nicold, we usually book our own flights and accomodation and have saved money in the past but we have just returned from our first ski holiday which we booked through Thomas Cook. The advice that we received from the manager in Paignton was excellent. Taking into account the cost of flights, transfers, accomodation, lift passes, ski and boot hire and ski lessons, we could not have done it for less. We had a fantastic holiday and will be going back next year. And it will definately be with Thomas Cook, glad they will still be around to take our money!!!”
by Paignton Pier
Friday, March 15 2013, 11:59PM
“To nicold, we usually book our own flights and accomodation and have saved money in the past but we have just returned from our first ski holiday which we booked through Thomas Cook. The advice that we received from the manager in Paignton was excellent. Taking into account the cost of flights, transfers, accomodation, lift passes, ski and boot hire and ski lessons, we could not have done it for less. We had a fantastic holiday and will be going back next year. And it will definately be with Thomas Cook, glad they will still be around to take our money!!!”
by Paignton Pier
Friday, March 15 2013, 11:47PM
“To nicold, we usually arrange our own flights/accomodation and have saved money in the past. But we've just returned from our first ski holiday which we booked through Thomas Cook. The advice we received from the manager in Paignton was excellent. With the cost of the transfers and package of lift pass, ski and boot hire and ski lessons we could not have got it cheaper by doing it ourselves. We will be going back next year and it will be with Thomas Cook.”
by nicold
Friday, March 15 2013, 11:10AM
“Why go into Thomas Cook, when you can save so much money booking an online holiday?”
by oddman
Friday, March 15 2013, 8:51AM
“Pretty sure that Dreams in Torquay is safe”