The travel sector is calling on the government for support as it continues to be hit hard amid the pandemic.
The latest firm to fall victim is STA Travel, which over the weekend ceased trading after the business was brought to a “standstill”.
As the UK falls into the deepest recession on record and the travel sector is particularly hit, STA Travel wrote in a statement on its website:
“Over recent months, we have taken decisive measures to secure the business beyond COVID-19.”
“However, sales have not picked up as anticipated due to consumer uncertainties, further restrictions and renewed lockdown measures, which are expected to largely continue into 2021.”
Up to 500 jobs are estimated to be at risk on STA Travel’s closure.
The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) has said that in total, 39,000 people in the sector have lost their jobs or been told their role was at risk since the pandemic.
The trade body has written to Rishi Sunak asking for support for jobs in the sector.
A spokesperson for Abta said the closure of STA Travel would: “send a shockwave through the industry, bringing to life the very real pressures that travel is under at the moment.”
“STA Travel will be a name that is familiar to most people who will have used them to travel or been aware of their name on the High Street, and this distressing news will sadly affect the livelihoods of hundreds of employees.”
Abta is calling for a wider coronavirus testing regime and regionalised quarantine and travel advice.