Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 22 October 2019 to Question 378 on Apprentices and Training: Peterborough, what additional funding he plans to allocate to offer re-training opportunities for former Thomas Cook headquarters employees.

We currently estimate that the collapse of Thomas Cook has affected 158 apprentices of which 49 are based in the Thomas Cook head office in Peterborough. The remainder are based across the country, including 62 who are on travel consultant apprenticeships in their stores.

Hays Travel have bought all 555 Thomas Cook stores across the UK, safeguarding up to 2500 jobs, including those of apprentices. We are liaising with Hays Travel to ensure a smooth transfer for the apprentices affected.

We have established a dedicated mailbox for individual enquiries from Thomas Cook apprentices. Ongoing support is also available through the National Careers Service, who will provide information, advice and guidance on learning, training and work.

Although there are no plans to make additional funding available specifically for the re-training of Thomas Cook employees, we are working to ensure that apprenticeship funding is available to support those affected.

The availability of apprenticeship opportunities is determined by employers. A number of other employers in the sector, and in related areas, have offered job opportunities to affected apprentices and we will work with these employers to ensure that all apprentices are supported to complete their apprenticeship.

Cambridge and Peterborough are one of 6 Mayoral Combined Authorities where the Adult Education Budget has been devolved. This will assist them in directly supporting adults in developing their skills, reducing skills shortages, boosting productivity and economic prosperity and improving wellbeing in their community.