News

AT LEAST one of the axed Advantage Travel Centres staff is threatening legal action following the group’s decision to make 11 roles redundant.

The threat comes as agents who claim to have been “left in the dark” on changes by management say they will review calls for an extraordinary general meeting after regional roadshows in May.

Redundant marketing manager Ray Dickinson confirmed his intention to appeal to an industrial tribunal, claiming unfair dismissal. 

“I don’t want to but I don’t see any other option,” he said.

It is understood others have also consulted lawyers but it is not yet known how many will take action.

Seven sales development managers, a key account manager, special projects manager, office manager and marketing manager have been made redundant.

Dickinson added: “We’ve all seen lawyers and if we want to go for an industrial tribunal, we have been advised by a senior barrister there is a case to answer for unfair dismissal.”

It is understood claims could relate to Advantage’s consultation process.

The threat follows the consortium’s Kuala Lumpur conference, where bosses defended the redundancies, claiming members did not receive central messages quickly and frequently enough. They also announced a £500,000 spend on revamping marketing and communication processes.

Sales and marketing director Colin O’Neill said Advantage had not been told of any legal action. “We believe the consultation was very fair and where people asked for extensions, we gave them. Also, a number of staff have indicated they will not pursue legal action.”

O’Neill said legal threats were premature because two staff were still in consultation and others had yet to exhaust their options, including roles in the new membership team of six.

“We will not advertise the jobs internally or externally until they have had a chance to go for the roles,” said O’Neill.

He stressed the redundancies were not based on individual performance.