Find local news in Kent

Home   Malling   News   Article

Kings Hill salons offer free treatments to former Thomas Cook employees

11:35, 25 September 2019

updated: 13:35, 25 September 2019

Beauty parlours are providing a range of free treatments for people who lost their jobs due to the collapse of Thomas Cook.

Kings Hill Nails Beauty Lounge and Saks Hair and Beauty posted on their social media accounts stating they would be offering services to former employees of the global travel group.

The salons are offering Thomas Cook employees with free treatments. Picture: iStock/Getty Images
The salons are offering Thomas Cook employees with free treatments. Picture: iStock/Getty Images

The company ceased trading after 178 years, leaving 22,000 people worldwide without jobs, including 9,000 in the UK.

More than 150,000 Brits were stranded abroad and people at home were unsure as to whether they would get their money back for future trips.

Kings Hill Nails Beauty Lounge, on Queen Street, are gifting free treatments to the value of £25 for any employees living in the following postcodes: ME19, ME18, ME17, ME16, ME15, ME14, ME20 and ME6.

They offer services, such as nails, lashes and spray tans, to men and women.

Caroline Bridger,, the salon owner, of Diana Walk, Kings Hill, said: "I felt so helpless and sad for all those affected and wanted to try and do something to show I cared.

Caroline Bridger, owner of the Kings Hill Nails Beauty Lounge.
Caroline Bridger, owner of the Kings Hill Nails Beauty Lounge.

"Living in Kings Hill positions us nearby to Gatwick and we have lots of clients that work within the travel industry.

"Whilst I couldn't give them a job, I wanted to give them something nice as a treat."

The salon has received an overwhelming response from the local community and interest in the offer and said it can't wait to meet everyone over the coming weeks and "do their bit."

Those interested should email cook@kingshillnails.com to book in for a treatment.

Saks Hair and Beauty, on Kings Hill Avenue, are also providing a free file and polish or cut and finish for local staff affected by the closure.

Saks Hair and Beauty are hoping to help people getting new jobs. Claire Denyer, salon owner, pictured right with staff members.
Saks Hair and Beauty are hoping to help people getting new jobs. Claire Denyer, salon owner, pictured right with staff members.

Salon owner, Claire Denyer, from Maidstone, said the salon hope to offer clients a service that could benefit them when applying for new jobs, heading into interviews with a fresh set of nails or a trim.

The 44-year-old said: "It is a stressful time for people actively going out and looking for jobs. We hope this goes a little way to helping them."

The offer is valid until Thursday, October 24 and people must bring proof of employment and ID.

Last minute negotiations to save the company, which has 13 branches across the county including; Ashford, Gillingham, Hythe, Maidstone, Canterbury, Folkestone, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Dartford, Sheerness, Gravesend, Ramsgate and Tunbridge Wells, failed on Sunday night.

Thomas Cook collapsed on Sunday night
Thomas Cook collapsed on Sunday night

Future holiday go-ers were left disappointed following the collapse of the company.

A 24-hour helpline has been set up for customers - 0300 303 2800

Head to our business page for all of the latest news about businesses in Kent.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent

Read more: All the latest news from Malling

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More