Travel firm Thomas Cook announced recently that it is set to close more than 20 branches nationwide, including its branch in Launceston.

According to Thomas Cook these closures are part of new measures to streamline its UK retail network as part of an ongoing programme to drive greater efficiencies across the business and address changing customer behaviour.

Around 320 jobs could be at risk if all the closures go ahead. On the day of the announcement, Thomas Cook’s chief of tour operating, Will Waggott, said: “Today’s announcement reflects the wider challenges seen on the high street, with more and more customers choosing to book online.”

According to figures, 64% of all Thomas Cook bookings were made online last year. The closure would result in an expected 102 customer-facing roles being made redundant.

A further 218 store-based roles are proposed to be removed across the network following a review of the retail workforce.

A consultation process with the affected staff and their union representatives has begun, although there has been no official date for the closure of its store in Launceston.