WARRINGTON North MP Charlotte Nichols has expressed sadness following the news that UK holiday firm Specialist Leisure Group (SLG) has gone into administration.
SLG is the owner of coach holiday operator Shearings, which has a base in Warrington, along with brands that include UKBreakaways.com, Wallace Arnold Travel and hotel chains Bay Hotels, Coast & Country and Country Living. As a result of the company collapse, 215 jobs in Warrington have been lost.
Ernst and Young have been appointed as administrator to SLG after efforts to find a buyer for the company’s 44 hotels and travel brands failed.
All tours, cruises, holidays and hotel breaks in the UK and abroad have been cancelled and will not be rescheduled. Further information on holiday cancellations is given on the company’s website www.specialistleisuregroup.com
Ms Nichols said:“I was deeply saddened to hear the news that the UK holiday firm Specialist Leisure Group has gone into administration and that 215 jobs in Warrington have been lost as a result.
“I have this evening spoken to Nigel Huddleston MP, the Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, who has briefed me on the situation and I will continue to liaise with him to ensure all of my constituents receive the help they need.
“I know that this news will cause immense concern for all those affected. I want to let Warrington North residents know that my office and I are here to provide you with any advice or support you may need at this incredibly difficult
time. You can send an email to c[email protected] or via my website at www.charlottenicholsmp.com and we will do whatever we can to help.”
Travel trade organisation Abta say more than 64,000 bookings have been cancelled and more than 2,500 jobs lost.
Abta believes the coronavirus crisis was the main reason for SLG’s financial difficulties, as it struggled to provide thousands of refunds for cancelled trips while new bookings had ground to a halt.
It added that the vast majority were coach package holidays which are financially protected so customers with these bookings will receive a full refund.
