Businesses may have to ‘hibernate’
JOB losses continued across Scotland yesterday and the Scottish Government said some sectors may need to “hibernate” as they navigate the coronavirus crisis fallout.
Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop urged employers to protect staff and said it may be necessary for industries such as hospitality to put their business on hold.
Her warning came as a Highland hotel backtracked after apparently sacking and evicting staff with no notice.
On Thursday, Coylumbridge Hotel in Aviemore, owned by Britannia Hotels, told staff to “vacate hotel accommodations immediately” and that their services were “no longer required”.
Staff were told they would receive one week’s pay in lieu of notice and compensation for accrued holidays not taken.
However, Britannia bosses said yesterday that it was “an administrative error”.
They said: “We apologise for any upset caused.”
Meanwhile, parts of Scotland’s busiest airport will close and bosses announced plans to cut jobs to cope with “zero or close to zero passenger demand”.
Edinburgh Airport will begin consultation with staff on cutting at least 100 jobs out of its 750-strong workforce.
In Ayrshire, a textile factory which has been operating for more than a century is expected to announce it is moving to a two-day operation from next week. Morton, Young and Borland, in Newmilns, will tell up to 40 staff they need to cut their hours and pay.
Elsewhere, Genting Casinos in Glasgow and Edinburgh yesterday closed their doors but promised to pay staff for the next two weeks while it assesses the situation.
GMB Scotland secretary Gary Smith said “No sector of the economy” is immune to the crisis as they reported widespread impact – including on the oil and gas industry, manufacturing and the taxi trade.