The agency chain, which last year acquired all 555 shops in the former Thomas Cook retail estate, said it had taken “all measures available to protect our industry and jobs”.
Under the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, HMRC will reimburse 80% of furloughed worker’s wages, up to £2,500 per month.
Barrhead Travel and Kuoni have also taken advantage of the scheme.
The move follows the company’s announcement on Friday that 880 workers and shop trainees had been put on zero-hour contracts with other employees having their hours reduced.
"Our first concern is for the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and customers, and we have taken all measures available to protect our industry and jobs," Hays said.
"The majority of our staff other than key workers are now furloughed with government support and we are feeling more confident about safeguarding these jobs."
