Thomson and First Choice-operator TUI UK & Ireland has said it will consult with staff over possible cuts to hours.

The travel giant has said it would reduce opening hours at its retail outlets as it continues to see more booking shift online.

The changes, described as “minor”, are expected to effect operational working hours at some 300 of the group’s smallest shops.

The move is part of TUI’s long term strategy to become an online driven business, which over the last five years has resulted in a significant increase in online bookings.

At the same time, retail parts of the business remain an important distribution channel that forms part of the multi-channel offering.

If implemented, the impact of the proposals for staff members is around the number and pattern of hours that they currently work.

TUI UK & Ireland is proposing a range of changes to the trading hours in these smaller shops with the vast majority reducing by 30 minutes a day, opening at 09:30 instead of 09:00 allowing these shops to operate on a more efficient staffing model.

“These proposals will ensure that the nationwide network of shops can be maintained whilst not compromising on the high levels of service currently delivered to customers, wherever they live in the country,” TUI said in a statement.

Staff affected will enter into a consultation process from September 9th 2014.