TSSA – the union for people in the travel trade – is calling on industry bosses and key stakeholders to back the union’s employment charter for travel workers, which the Secretary for Culture and Tourism, Tessa Jowell will be signing later today (12 July).

The union’s charter sets out minimum employment standards for a sector blighted by low pay, a turnover in staff of at least 30 percent and poor morale. The principles in the charter are a fair reward, dignity at work and genuine career prospects.

Secretary for Culture and Tourism, Tessa Jowell said: “Tourism and the travel trade are vital to the UK economy and the health of the sector relies on the motivation and skill of the people who work in it.

“I commend TSSA’s travel trade charter as a set of minimum standards for the sector’s workforce. I hope the industry engages positively with the charter, with TSSA and with its employees, in striving to meet those standards.”

ABTA's Chief Executive Ian Reynolds, said: "We are happy to support the principles of fair reward, equal opportunities, family-friendly practices, respect and consultation. In particular, we see ongoing training as fundamental to both the success of the industry and individual careers."

TUC General Secretary, Brendan Barber said: “We’re fully behind TSSA’s charter for travel workers. There's much in the charter for both businesses and employees. Staff look set to benefit from improved working conditions and firms that treat their staff well will reap rewards in the form of more productive employees.”

TSSA General Secretary, Gerry Doherty said: “Too many companies exploit the fact that, by and large, workers in travel love their job, but like in tennis, love means nothing when it comes to paying the household bills or the mortgage.

“It’s a disgrace that many highly skilled and experienced travel workers are paid little over the minimum wage and have little to look forward too in terms of career prospects and decent pay. It’s no wonder that staff are demoralised and leave the industry in their droves.”

“It’s fantastic that the Government, TUC, and ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) all support the principles behind the charter. The industry has nothing to fear from our charter – and everything to gain.”