Johnsons Coaches of Henley-in-Arden has revealed it is considering making up to 78 of its employees redundant, as Government support for furloughed workers begins to be withdrawn.
The firm placed 200 staff on furlough in May, but is now looking ahead to October when the furlough scheme ends – and coach work begins to dry up further as the weather turns colder.
In a statement posted on its website on 25 August, the company reassured its customers that things would continue as normal for the time being: “Rest assured we are very much open for business, with Express Excursions leaving our depot almost daily and our coach hire bookings and interest increasing, as well as our bus routes recommencing to normal frequency from 4 Septmeber.
“We want to reassure all past, present and future customers that although the business has had to consider making 78 positions at Johnsons redundant as we enter into the Winter season where the amount of coach departures starts to quieten down, we are still very much open for business.
“Booking figures for 2021 are looking fantastic and we are looking forward to thriving in 2021. We can’t wait to welcome you on board once again. Our first coach holiday is due to recommence on Monday 7 September with over 20 holidays planned for the next few months and Christmas holiday bookings looking positive too.
“This has been a difficult time for everyone, the travel and tourism industry included – but we do want to reassure you all we are good to go!”