The Thomas Cook Group has announced that it will be cutting 2,000 across the company and all members of staff will be taking part in redudancy consultations lasting 15 months from this summer.

The former MyTravel headoffice in Rochdale will close, accounting for 900 jobs along with a nearby customer support division.

Many details of the job losses are remaining confidential for the time being as a series of union meetings and 90-day staff comsultations are set to take place.

The group plans to close 150 high-stree retail outlets, which will affect up to 900 retail staff.

UK and Ireland chief executive John Bloodworth said: “We will offer re-employment to all our sales people, although it may not be in the same town or city.”

The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association has described the cuts as “draconian”.