The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Staff claim arts body not doing enough to reopen
LOCKDOWN: Covid ‘smokescreen’ for reducing jobs, says employee
Employees facing redundancy at Perth’s Horsecross Arts say the organisation has not done enough to adapt and reopen following lockdown.
Staff at the under-pressure body behind Perth Concert Hall and Theatre want to see the restaurants, bars and cafés brought back into use at the two venues, in line with current guidelines, as 120 jobs hang in the balance.
The employees claim the senior management team (SMT) have not done enough to plan for open-air events in the plaza, and say staff suggestions have been ignored during consultation talks.
One front-of-house employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It appears the decision has been made and no matter what suggestions are made then the redundancies will go ahead.
“This is being blamed on the Covid-19 situation. However, from a staff point of view it appears that this is being used as a smokescreen to clear out a large proportion of staff prior to a major restructure.
“No plans have been made for any attempt at opening either venue as the relaxed lockdown has been announced, either as a café or with local artists.
“It seems to be as if the SMT are only expecting to reopen when physical distancing is totally removed, rather than trying to operate under the new normal.”
A second staff member told The Courier: “I do not think Horsecross has made any effort whatsoever to adapt and change to allow relaxed performances, nor have they considered using the plaza for either performances or café use...
“There is no reason at all why the venues’ restaurants and cafés could not be open. Horsecross needs to listen to its staff.”
They added: “I believe Covid came along at a very convenient time for Horsecross.”
Nick Williams, chief executive of Horsecross Arts, said: “Our venues remain closed as we are not legally permitted to open for performances due to Covid-19 restrictions.
“Given our previous financial instability and complete lack of income, we have had to use any funding we have to secure the future of the organisation whilst attempting to safeguard as many jobs as we can.
“We are actively looking at what we can do in an economically viable way when we are allowed to reopen, and it is safe for audiences, staff and artists.”
Mr Williams added: “As we’re sadly in the middle of a collective consultation process with staff over potential redundancies, it would be wrong for us to comment on inaccurate statements individual employees have made in public.
“We are disappointed that employees have chosen to present these assertions to the press rather than through our consultative process.”