Up to 70 face the axe at Trump Turnberry

Up to 70 staff at Trump Turnberry face the axe as the luxury resort struggles amid the impact of Covid-19.

The looming job cuts are said to have “devastated”the 300-strong workforce.

A consultation process is under way but bosses at the Trump Organisation, who own the 827-acre property, have kept a tight lip on the redundancy plan.

Now a union has accused the business group of using the pandemic as an excuse to undermine workers’rights.

The RMT union has warned staff that they would find their rights eroded by a package of measures proposed.

In a letter to staff, employees were told of a raft of cost-cutting changes including a review of terms and conditions, amendments to sick pay and leave policies and the withdrawal of free meals in the canteen.

An election of workplace“reps”to assist in“the period of collective and individual consultation”was also proposed – a move which outraged the RMT, which has operated at Turnberry since its heyday as a railway hotel.

Michael Hogg, RMT’s regional organiser, said:“It’s quite clear that

Trump Turnberry’s HR department don’t want any union involved. They want to be in control. These new reps won’t have access to solicitors, or a structure in place to help represent them.

“This is all deliberate by Trump’s people — control of the workforce with no terms and no conditions.”

Mr Hogg said the union was planning to raise“questions within the Scottish Parliament.”

This week the Trump Organisation has developed plans for a retirement community on an old airfield and adjoining agricultural land, with provision for 225 properties as well as shops and leisure facilities.

Sarah Malone, executive vicepresident of Trump International Scotland, said:“Our valued team members are uppermost in our thoughts and at the heart of all our communication as we navigate our way through this difficult crisis in the weeks and months ahead.”

Ms Malone added the“trauma of Covid-19”had brought home a stark reality for employers across the UK and added:“Our industry was forced to close its doors and we rely on international travellers as our lifeblood; travellers who are unlikely to return for some time.”