Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure the availability of (a) apprenticeships and (b) re-training opportunities in Peterborough for former staff of Thomas Cook's headquarters.

We are working to ensure that Thomas Cook apprentices who have been affected are supported to complete their apprenticeship. Apprentices who were previously at Thomas Cook and have any queries relating to their apprenticeship can email a dedicated enquiry mailbox: ThomasCook.QUERIES@education.gov.uk.

The Education Skills and Funding Agency is in touch with all the training providers who are supporting the apprentices across the country, including those in Peterborough, and we will continue to liaise with them on this matter. A number of employers in the sector and in related areas have already stepped forward to offer job opportunities to apprentices, including Hayes Travel that has bought the 555 Thomas Cook shops which will safeguard up to 2,500 jobs.

The National Careers Service will provide information, advice and guidance to help all former Thomas Cook staff with decisions on learning, training and work: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/.