Holiday park’s ‘consultation process’ on jobs

One of the largest private employers in Argyll and Bute announced a consultation process which resulted in staff being told they were being made redundant days before Christmas.

Up to 14 members of staff at Drimsynie Holiday Park, Lochgoilhead, learned on December 18 that their jobs were at risk. At that stage some had already received notices of redundancy.

A new operating schedule being introduced at the park means it will close over winter.

Argyll Holidays, which has eight parks across Argyll and Bute, was taken over by Cove UK in 2021.

One member of staff, who received a notice of redundancy, told BBC News Scotland it came as a massive shock.

It has been reported they were told their job was at risk on December 1 - just 48 hours after the staff Christmas party.

The staff member told the BBC: “There is a feeling at the park that this might just be the first round of redundancies.

“There has been talk since October so now it feels like they’ve been stalling so staff didn’t quit before the busy Christmas period."

Previously, the park remained open for 12 months a year, but now it will close between January and March.

A spokesperson for Drimsynie Holiday Park said: “We have commenced a consultation process at our park and have been in discussion with staff about how proposed future changes may affect them. Regrettably, we are currently proposing that approximately 14 positions may move from permanent to seasonal contracts in early 2024 and we recognise that this will cause uncertainty to some team members.

“The park has had to adjust to substantial inflationary pressures, including higher energy, staff and maintenance costs.

“This comes as our customers are also tightening their belts and we experienced a noticeable decrease in bookings from December through to early spring.

“As a result, it is no longer viable to operate the park as we have been doing during the winter period and will instead move to a seasonal-based holiday model, bringing us into line with other major UK holiday park operators.

“By introducing a winter closure period between January and mid-March, rather than operating across a full 12-month period, it allows us a window to undertake vital park maintenance at a time when bookings would have already been considerably lower.”