Approximately 21,000 staff worldwide could lose their jobs, including 9,000 in the UK, due to the collapse of travel giant Thomas Cook, reports Coventry Live. The travel firm announced today that it ceased trading after failing to secure a last-ditch rescue deal. The company was unable to secure the extra £200 million needed to keep the business afloat following a full day of crucial talks with the major shareholder and creditors on Sunday. "I would like to apologise to our millions of customers, and thousands of employees, suppliers and partners who have supported us for many years,” Thomas Cook's Chief Executive Peter Fankhauser said. "Thomas Cook Group, including the UK tour operator and airline, has ceased trading with immediate effect,” Richard Moriarty, the Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said. "All Thomas Cook bookings, including flights and holidays, have now been cancelled."