Thomas Cook crew to strike over breaks, Hotels4u launches VAT claim

Trade union Unite said just shy of three-quarters of members for strike action, with a turnout slightly over 50%.

The dispute is over changes to crew breaks, which Unite said amounted to a health and safety issue.

"We're disappointed Unite cabin crew members have taken the decision to vote for strike action," a Thomas Cook spokesperson said. "The safety of both our people and our customers is our top priority and we rigorously adhere to the rules around crew breaks. We're committed to working with Unite to address their concerns and have already met with the conciliation service Acas to try to find a solution.

"Meanwhile, we've put together plans to ensure that our customers will still be able to go on holiday, despite any possible strike action."

Earlier, it emerged that Thomas Cook’s Hotels4U brand could be in line for a decade's worth of VAT returns, if a newly launched bid to reclaim £14m from the HMRC is successful.

The claim hinges on the belief that Hotels4U could have been acting as an agent rather than a principal.

"The majority of this case is very straightforward because it is materially identical to the facts considered by the supreme court in Secret Hotels," said a barrister representing Hotels4U.