Hays Travel has assured none of its Scottish shops will close after plans to cut 878 jobs were announced. 

The travel agency has begun consultations on redundancies across the UK, but has issued assurances to the Scottish Parliament that the majority of jobs in Scotland are safe. 

John and Irene Hays, co-owners of Hays Travel, confirmed there are no plans to close the 49 Scottish shops. 

In fact, the business plans to go ahead with further investment in Scotland - including plans for a new head office for its tour operating division in Glasgow. 

The two-year plan for a new head office would create up to 100 new jobs in the city. 

READ MORE: Hays Travel who have several Glasgow stores to cut up to 878 jobs

The Scottish branches have been open with Covid-19 secure measures since lockdown eased.

However, redundancies will go ahead in the company’s foreign currency division. 

“With the unexpected ban on non-essential travel to Spain coming at the same time as changes to the furlough scheme we were left with no choice but to take action to address the immediate position to protect the business for the future,” said John Hays.

However, the firm is optimistic about the future after it saw a surge in 2021 bookings with many rebooking their holidays or selecting new destinations. 

“Our focus is on the immediate safety and care of our staff and customers and protecting the future of travel and holidays,” added John. “

We are glad to be back open on the high street, online and in our customer service centres to help our customers and we will continue to do everything in our power to protect the jobs of our professional travel consultants.”

The firm have travel shops in the Glasgow Forge, Gordon Street, Silverburn, and outside the city, there are stores in Rutherglen, East Kilbride, Newton Mearns, Hamilton, and Clydebank.