Your Questions

Over the coming months, we know you will have many questions. We are committed to answering them as fully as possible, however we may not have all the answers for you at this stage. Your line manager should always be your first point of contact, however, if you have any Mainstream UK & Ireland specific questions please email: askdermot@tuitravel.com

In addition to the FAQs below, updated ones are circulated through the usual communications channels and loaded on the relevant Intranets fortnightly. The most recent ones can also be found in a PDF format to the right.

Who do I work for now?

You will continue to be employed by your current employing company, however these companies will now report into the new organisation of TUI Travel PLC.

When will we begin to see changes?

Until now we have been restricted as to what we could discuss due to competition law. As TUI Travel PLC, we can now create a comprehensive integration strategy to help us bring our two businesses together smoothly. This will be a phased plan and the diagram on page seven shows the main steps.

What will happen to my job?

At the moment, we have only announced senior appointments. The integration plan will be phased. As soon as we know what this means for your area and you personally, your line manager will talk you through this in detail. The timetable will vary depending on which part of the business you work in.

What will I need to do differently in my role, now that the merger has happened?

You do not need to do anything differently at this point. This includes the way you answer your phone, your email sign off, your business cards and the headed paper used. All of these issues will be reviewed as part of the integration plan and updates will be communicated as, and when, changes happen.

Will there be redundancies? If so, how many?

As we bring the two businesses together, we will need to look at the shape and size of the organisation. At this stage, we are unable to confirm what the impact will be, as this will form part of the integration planning. However, it is our aim to retain as many people as we can within the business, and when we have a clear idea of the transition time frame and potential changes for individuals, we will consult with all our employees and representative bodies as appropriate.

Where will TUI Travel PLC be located?

We have already announced the TUI Travel Group PLC headquarters will be in Crawley. There is a proposal that the Head Office location for our UK and Ireland tour operator and airline will be at Wigmore House, Luton. We are at very early stages in our planning, however, in the spirit of openness and honesty we wanted to share our thoughts with you as early as possible. We will, of course, comply with our legal obligations to consult once we understand more fully any transition requirements.

What will the timescales for changing the location be, if at all?

Clearly the integration of businesses of our size will be highly complex and will take time. It is proposed that departments will relocate over an extended period and it is likely we will run activity from existing locations as we work through the integration plans. We will begin consultation for anyone directly impacted as part of the transition planning.

Will there be shop closures?

We continue to believe firmly in the value of having a strong retail high street presence as part of our overall distribution strategy. There is much work to be done to bring the management and operation of our retail chains together, however as we do this we do not anticipate an extensive shop closure programme. We will continue to manage our shop portfolio the way we always have, with a focus on profi tability, support for our tour operating brands and providing the customer with excellent service and choice.

What will I say to our customers?

There are no changes to any part of their holiday experience and their booking conditions still apply in full. Your line manager has a more detailed script, if you would like a little more support when talking to customers.

When will I know about any changes to my terms and conditions?

There are no changes to your current terms and conditions. We will now undertake detailed analysis of both organisations’ terms and conditions to understand how they compare and contrast.

Will we now be able to use concessions for both First Choice & Thomson holidays?

Your current holiday concession and discounts continue to apply. However, we do know this is an important benefit to you and we are committed to reviewing this at the earliest opportunity as people wish to experience both First Choice and Thomson holidays.

If we retain both brands, will our branding, from aircraft to uniforms, remain as it is?

We will consider this as part of the integration process. It may vary depending on which part of the business you work in. We will make further announcements about plans for our branding in due course.

How will I find out more?

Your line manager should be your first point of contact, but we will update this website regularly. We will also continue to produce our regular communications updates in each part of the business to ensure you are continually kept up-to-date throughout the integration process.