Thomas Cook under a cloud after tough summer

Anxious stay-at-home Britons triggered a second profit warning from a major tour operator in as many days today as Thomas Cook joined Thomson Holidays rival TUI Travel in the doldrums.

Thomas Cook said UK trading was "softer than expected" with a 2% fall in bookings during the last four weeks and the firm is being forced to give away more holidays in the cheap 'lates' market.