A statement by Mark Cox, chief executive of The Channel Islands Co-operative Society on Co-operative Travelmaker:

'Having conducted a strategic review of our Co-operative Travelmaker business and given the negative and protracted impact that Covid19 has had on the travel industry globally, we have made the difficult decision to exit our travel business and subsequently the Co-op Travelmaker will close on Sunday 31 January 2021.

We have made every possible attempt to avoid this closure, however we are unable to sustain the level of losses incurred by this strand of the Society.  

All affected colleagues in Jersey and Guernsey have been told and are currently being supported. They have been given the option of redeployment within other areas of the Co-op business, or the option of redundancy.

We are in advanced discussions about a possible takeover of a Jersey travel branch and are supporting other colleagues in potentially setting themselves up as personal travel agents under Midcounties Co-operative Travel. Further details on this will be provided as soon as they are progressed and agreed.

As a result of the closure, Travelmaker will not be accepting any new travel bookings from Friday 18 December 2020, but all existing travel bookings will be honoured and remain unaffected by the closure.

All existing bookings are held by the principal tour operator and remain financially protected through our ABTA bonding.

We will continue to assist customers with any confirmed travel bookings and provide the necessary support for any recently cancelled holidays due to Covid19 that are still awaiting a refund from the tour operator or travel provider.

Travel vouchers can be redeemed in any of our Co-op food stores.

If customers have any questions relating to vouchers, credit notes or a holiday that they already have booked, please contact Travelmaker directly at info.travel@channelislands.coop or call Jersey 01534 784300 / Guernsey 01481 201250 where a colleague will be able to assist.

Despite the challenges faced during the Covid19 pandemic, we want to reassure our valued customers that your Society is a strong business and we remain focussed on working to develop our core food, pharmacy and funeral businesses.'