NEWS.CATEGORY: Political
TSSA says Abta right to demand travel sector support in face of "total wipeout"
Travel and transport trade union TSSA has today backed calls by trade association Abta for "tailored support" for the travel industry, warning it faces "total wipeout" without it.
The travel association Abta has estimated that 90,000 travel jobs are at risk unless the government steps in, following a survey of its members. It has written to Chancellor Rishi Sunak calling for regionalised quarantine regimes, testing, and business support measures, among other things, to help the travel trade through this unprecedented period. The association’s chief executive has warned that without changes to government support and actions the current situation will be “ruinous for more people’s livelihoods”.
Manuel Cortes, TSSA General Secretary, said: “Our travel trade faces total wipeout unless tailored, sector specific support is made available. Travel faces a unique perfect storm created by Coronavirus and this government’s inept last-minute changes to travel advice.
“The economic crisis bourne from Coronavirus is cementing the move away from High Street shopping. Sadly, without urgent government action, booking holidays in dedicated travel shops could become a thing of the past.
“The government can take steps now to safeguard jobs immediately and ensure our travel trade is in the best position to bounce back, safeguarding jobs and revenue for the future. I urge Rishi Sunak to adopt the measures called for by Abta, including introducing testing and extending the furlough scheme for travel workers.”