HOLIDAY operator Thomas Cook is planning to cut 2,500 jobs and close stores across the UK.
The firm runs stores in Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot, Llanelli and Carmarthen.
Peter Fankhauser, CEO of Thomas Cook in Continental Europe & UK, said: "These proposals will mean a stronger Thomas Cook that continues to be a major employer in the UK dedicated to providing excellent holiday experiences to our 23 million customers.
"We are in consultation with our unions and employee representative bodies to minimise the impact of these changes and I am speaking personally to all employees today to provide information and support through this period of consultation."
Shopworkers' Union Usdaw claims Thomas Cook is proposing to close 76 stores.
The union is now in talks with representatives from the holiday operator to discuss the restructure of the firm.
Usdaw national officer Sharon Ainsworth said: "We were well aware of the challenges that Thomas Cook have been facing in turning their UK business around, but the scale and severity of these redundancies will come as a real shock to our members.
"We will be using the 90-day consultation period to urge the business to look at every possible alternative to redundancy for these hardworking staff.
"Many of our members are long-serving and I believe they have a lot to offer Thomas Cook in helping the business to build a successful future.
"Even those who are not at risk of redundancy are facing the prospect of cuts to their benefits packages, following a number of cost-cutting proposals which the business has put forward.
"We will be examining these proposals closely and will defend our members' interests throughout this uncertain time.
"We will be doing all we can to support all of our members during the difficult weeks and months ahead."
The firm runs stores in Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot, Llanelli and Carmarthen.
Peter Fankhauser, CEO of Thomas Cook in Continental Europe & UK, said: "These proposals will mean a stronger Thomas Cook that continues to be a major employer in the UK dedicated to providing excellent holiday experiences to our 23 million customers.
"We are in consultation with our unions and employee representative bodies to minimise the impact of these changes and I am speaking personally to all employees today to provide information and support through this period of consultation."
Shopworkers' Union Usdaw claims Thomas Cook is proposing to close 76 stores.
The union is now in talks with representatives from the holiday operator to discuss the restructure of the firm.
Usdaw national officer Sharon Ainsworth said: "We were well aware of the challenges that Thomas Cook have been facing in turning their UK business around, but the scale and severity of these redundancies will come as a real shock to our members.
"We will be using the 90-day consultation period to urge the business to look at every possible alternative to redundancy for these hardworking staff.
"Many of our members are long-serving and I believe they have a lot to offer Thomas Cook in helping the business to build a successful future.
"Even those who are not at risk of redundancy are facing the prospect of cuts to their benefits packages, following a number of cost-cutting proposals which the business has put forward.
"We will be examining these proposals closely and will defend our members' interests throughout this uncertain time.
"We will be doing all we can to support all of our members during the difficult weeks and months ahead."