Flight Centre has been forced to stand down 6,000 sales and support roles as it tackles the coronavirus impact on the industry.
The travel company told the ASX that thousands of jobs will go temporarily or permanently globally, including 3,800 Australian workers who will be temporarily stood down.
The company announced it would close 100 stores a few weeks ago, a figure that now will be doubled to more than 200, accounting for 30 percent of its 689 stores in Australia.
Flight Centre owner Graham Turner said it has been hit by the “never-seen-before” restrictions on travel.
“Pre-coronavirus staffing levels are now unsustainable – significant reductions (are) needed to better reflect prevailing trading climate and preserve jobs in the long term.”
When asked about the future of the company, Graham Turner said “we think it will start getting back to normal during the second half of this calendar year, but we will certainly be looking at maybe needing some more stand downs, not just in Australia but in the 23 countries that we operate.”
