Ryanair closure affects 40 staff

Forty people face redundancy at Ryanair after the company today announced the closure of its telesales centre in Dublin.

The decision is part of the airline’s plan to save €100 million which it says is needed to counter high oil prices.

Ryanair's chief executive Michael O'Leary said: "Sadly, the operation is no longer viable or cost
competitive against a backdrop of dwindling demand for phone bookings while Internet bookings now account for over 99 per cent of ticket sales."

The airline’s call centres in Romania and Germany are 60 per cent cheaper to run than the Dublin office and will continue to operate, Mr O’Leary added.

The 40 affected workers will be eligible for other vacancies at the airline but those that fail to find work within the company will be made redundant at the end of May.

"While record high oil prices and falling fares continue, it is sensible and prudent that we streamline our business and reduce costs," Mr O’Leary said.