Thomas Cook and MyTravel had many operations that overlapped

The firm, which will be left with 800 stores, recently completed a �2.8bn merger with rival MyTravel, saying the deal would help the firms cut costs.

Sites in Rochdale, Birmingham, and Manchester are among those to close.

Thomas Cook said that it would look to find jobs elsewhere in the firm "where possible" for the affected workers.

"As many as possible of those whose roles are potentially affected by today's news will be offered the opportunity for redeployment within the business," said Manny Fontenla-Novoa, the company's joint chief executive.

"We will do everything we can to support those employees who are affected through the next few months."

Chris Fletcher, policy director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce called the move a "blow for Greater Manchester and Rochdale in particular".

"MyTravel is a major employer in the area and has had a long-standing association with the area for over 30 years," he said.

Merger

The merger between Thomas Cook and MyTravel has created Europe's second-largest travel company and it holds around 35% share of the UK package holiday market.

KEY SITES AFFECTED Rochdale - former headquarters of MyTravel Manchester airport Commonwealth house - airline operations of MyTravel Helmshore - holiday division Birmingham - call centre Denton - distribution site all these were formerly part of MyTravel

Thomas Cook said the closures would help the newly-merged companies to cut about �95m in costs.

The newly-formed company is called Thomas Cook Group and is based in Peterborough, with a corporate headquarters in London.

It is 52%-owned by German retail chain KarstadtQuelle, which was the parent of Thomas Cook, and 48%-owned by the shareholders of MyTravel.

Its main holiday brands include Airtours, Direct Holidays, Manos, Panorama, Sunset, and Thomas Cook as well as other specialist holiday companies.