Guest blog: ABTA Lifeline
ABTA LifeLine is ABTA’s charity. ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents) is the UK’s largest travel association representing travel agents and tour operators that sell £37 billion of holidays and other travel arrangements each year. Previously called the ABTA Benevolent Fund, our charity was set up in 1988 to help people in the travel industry when they need it the most.
If you work or have ever worked for an ABTA Member, ABTA itself or other organisations within the travel industry who are engaged in the sale of ABTA products, you can apply to ABTA LifeLine for help.
What we do
You never know what life is going to throw at you or what might be around the corner. But whatever happens, we want travel colleagues to know we are there for them when they need it the most.
From expert debt advice, to retraining and counselling to helping with priority bills, our LifeLine stretches far and wide.
Thomas Cook
It has been sad news to hear that Thomas Cook, after a considerable effort to remain trading, unfortunately has gone into administration.
Thomas Cook employs around 22,000 staff, 9,000 of whom are based in the UK. For these individuals, it may become incredibly challenging to balance their finances. People may find themselves juggling payments, searching for new work and managing the psychological effects of unemployment. This being said they are not alone in their battles as the charity ABTA LifeLine will do it’s very best to provide support during this trying time.
We want those who were employees of Thomas Cook to know that they are eligible for support from ABTA LifeLine. From expert debt advice, to retraining and counselling to helping with priority bills, our LifeLine stretches far and wide. We will do what we can to best support our colleagues during this difficult time.
If you yourself are struggling (or you know someone who is), please get in touch with us at ABTA LifeLine to see how we can best support you. Each case is different and we tailor it to the needs of the individual.
To get an idea of how we have supported others in the past take a look at our ABTA Lifeline stories page and read the accounts and testimonials of those helped.
You can take a look at our Redundancy Support page or more specifically our Thomas Cook Employee Support page which contains all the information and links needed to apply.
Other information and support for Thomas Cook Employees
For more information and support from additional sources, take a look at the Gov.UK news article: Thomas Cook information for customers, employees, creditors and shareholders
This article has advice tailored to redundancy support, finding a new job and claiming back money in which you may be owed. You are eligible for this kind of support if you have a contract of employment and live in either England, Scotland or Wales. For Northern Ireland, see the NI Direct website information on Help your rights if your employer is insolvent. For those outside of these areas, you will need to apply to the redundancy scheme in that local legal authority.
Practical information and support to change situations
During many times in our lives, we’re simply unable to cope with whatever life has thrown at us. That stress and anxiety can be debilitating. Our hope is that we can alleviate some of that by providing people with practical things to change their situation - we are committed to helping our colleagues in need.
How to apply to ABTA Lifeline
You can contact us on ABTA Lifeline website or email us on: lifeline@abtalifeline.org.uk
Read the Turn2us Grants Search profile on ABTA Lifeline
You can also use Turn2us services to find other help from benefits, grants and other sources of support
Photo supplied by ABTA Lifeline and used with the charity's permission.