Citizens Advice services across Greater Manchester have issued clear and practical information and advice for employees and customers of Thomas Cook following the announcement from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that the company had "ceased trading with immediate effect".

Rachel Howley, from Citizens Advice Greater Manchester, said:

“The collapse of Thomas Cook is clearly a worrying time for its customers and its staff. Holidaymakers will no longer be able to travel with the company - but you might be able to get a refund depending on what and how you booked.

“If your holiday booking is ATOL protected then the Civil Aviation Authority will arrange a refund.

“For people who have booked their holidays independently, you’ll need to contact any other companies you’ve made any bookings with - hotels, transfers etc - as you’ll still be liable for those bookings. Check the terms and conditions to see if you can cancel without being charged.

“If your booking isn’t ATOL protected you might be able to get money back through your insurance, credit or debit card issuer or through PayPal. Other elements of your holiday which you booked independently and can still be provided, won’t be covered by these payment schemes but you could check with your insurance provider.

“Staff who work for Thomas Cook need to make sure they seek independent information and advice on their situation. The Government have issued advice about claiming money owed.

“Anyone wanting to seek advice can contact their local Citizens Advice directly. Information on their local Citizens Advice can be found on the ​website here​.”

If you are a Thomas Cook customer

● Customers in the UK yet to travel:​ Don't go to the airport

● Customers abroad:​ Everyone due to fly in the next fortnight will be brought back to the UK at no cost to them - These repatriation flights will only be operating for the next two weeks (until 6 October 2019).

● Customers currently overseas​ should check ​thomascook.caa.co.uk​ for confirmation of their new flight details - which will be available a minimum of 48 hours in advance of their original departure time

● All affected customers​ should keep checking ​thomascook.caa.co.uk​ for more information

If you are a Thomas Cook employee:

● Make sure you ask any questions you have​ of the administrators - no question is a ‘stupid question’. Someone should have been in contact with you about the process. More information can be found at ​thomascook.caa.co.uk/liquidation/

● Know your rights:​ You have rights if your employer is ‘insolvent’ and can make a claim for the money you’re owed. Read more information on your rights by visiting the government guidance here​.

● If you have not been asked to continue in work, and you haven't been paid your redundancy, use the ​‘Claim for redundancy and monies owed​’ service on GOV.UK

Alternatively you can book a call back with one of our advisers here