HAYS Travel is to cut up to 878 jobs out of a total workforce of 4,500 people.

The travel company, which has branches in Malton and Pickering, said it has “made every possible effort” to avoid job losses “during these extraordinary and distressing times”.

Hays Travel said it had been on track for recovery when the Foreign and Commonwealth Office stopped advising against all non-essential travel in early July, but the recent decision to reintroduce restrictions for people going to Spain has resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of thousands of holidays.

Owners John and Irene Hays said: “We are devastated that after all of our efforts and the huge investment we’ve made we now face losing some of our valued employees, through no fault of their own.

“Following the decision to ban travel to Spain and the changes in furlough conditions coming at the same time, we have had no choice.

“We are also devastated for everyone who may lose their job and we will do all we can in consultations to help them, as we focus on retaining as many people as possible and rebuilding consumer confidence through our renowned friendly and knowledgeable customer service.”