Government sinking travel trade says TSSA

Travel and transport union TSSA has hit out at the government following this evening's coronavirus briefing saying "they are sinking our travel trade" and warns the lack of support "could be fatal" for Eurostar.

At the televised briefing, when asked whether people could book a summer holiday, the Prime Minister said: “It’s currently illegal to go on holiday.” When pressed on whether he would be taking a summer holiday, Mr Johnson said “it’s just too early for people to be certain about what we’ll be able to do this summer.” He suggested more will be known from 22nd February when more data is available.

Manuel Cortes, TSSA General Secretary, said: “This inept government failed to secure our borders last year and despite longstanding cries for help has still not provided sector specific support for our travel trade. Government’s mixed messages are sinking our travel trade and their failure to support Eurostar may be fatal.

“Companies, jobs and whole swathes of the industry will be lost forever. This is devastating for those who work in travel but it’s also dashing the hopes of so many of us who want to know we can take a break – in the UK or abroad – to ease recovery from this dreadful virus.

“The government has to provide a clear pathway and specific support for the travel trade and operators such as Eurostar. These companies have been worst impacted by travel restrictions, short-notice changes to travel advice, failed test, track and trace, and in many cases exacerbated by Brexit.”