The move is part of a ‘location strategy review’ by the historic firm, which has operated the landmark site in Aldermanbury since 2000. The office will close by the end of March next year.

Thomas Cook UK & Ireland boss Ian Ailles said the decision was ‘regrettable’ but the best option for the ailing group’s turnaround programme.

Bosses told staff about the closure plan today and the company has entered a formal 90-day consultation process with unison and staff representatives. It is expected that the run down of the Aldermanbury office will start in December.

There are currently 537 staff based at the city centre site and 69 will be transferred to Cooks other local operations centre at Birkenshaw, which employs 113 people, leaving 468 people at risk of redundancy. Stunned Staff remained tight-lipped last night as they left the Bradford site for the day.

Many were clutching envelopes containing letters detailing the announcement and revealed a 90-day consultation period was about to begin.

Some could be offered alternative roles in other Cook centres at Falkirk in Scotland, Peterborough and Preston.

Thomas Cook moved into the Aldermanbury building after taking over the Sunworld travel business which had occupied it since 1996.

Thomas Cook’s Mainstream business also employs 252 customer service staff at Falkirk and 434 at Peterborough.

Unions have described the move as a “scandal” and blamed the job losses on former chief executive Manny Fontenia-Novoa.