On 23 September, the UK operation of the world’s oldest tour operator, Thomas Cook, declared bankruptcy. The collapse has put 22 000 jobs at risk worldwide, including 9 000 in the UK.
The compulsory liquidation of the company, which serves 19 million customers per year and runs hotels, flights and cruises across 16 countries, has immense negative effects on customers, and thousands of employees, suppliers and partners.
In view of the fact that:
—
The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) was created to offer additional support to employees suffering the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns and as a result of the continuation of the global financial and economic crisis;
—
No concrete measures have been taken to minimise the impact on employees in this case;
—
The number of redundancies involved is vast;
Could the Commission please state:
1.
Whether this particular case meets the eligibility criteria laid down in the EGF Regulation (after the respective application by the Member State)?
2.
What measures are planned to support the redundant employees of Thomas Cook?
3.
Whether, in the event that the EGF were to be mobilised, a no-deal Brexit would have an impact on the supporting measures?