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Like many of the UK’S hotels and restaurants, the iconic Amberley Castle will reopen on July 4, following an extended period of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But with lower levels of trading predicted due to the impact of the pandemic, the jobs of some staff are likely to be lost, the castle confirmed this week. It is a story that will be repeated across the hospitality industry.
A spokeswoman said: “Staff are currently busy on site ensuring our restaurant, hotels rooms and gardens are looking their very best and we are looking forward to safely welcoming our guests once again. The coronavirus pandemic has created extremely challenging trading conditions for all the UK’S hotels and restaurants, with a long period of closure and with travel restrictions and social distancing measures looking necessary to stay in place for some time to come, and we have had to look to how best to restructure our operations in order to meet new levels of demand.
“Detailed planning and forecasting has seen all nonessential costs reduced as far as possible, but very unfortunately, with lower levels of trading predicted while we all adjust to live alongside coronavirus, the hotel has been forced to enter a period of consultation with some staff.
“The hotel continues to explore every avenue to reduce any job losses to as few as possible and regrets the potential loss of any valued team members from our hotel.”
The luxury venue recently launched a National Trust Package allowing guests to make the most of the great outdoor spaces in their special places. “The rich tapestry of rolling pastures, ancient woodland, river valleys and dramatic coastline that surrounds Amberley Castle is truly breathtaking. Make the most of West Sussex’s hidden gems with a luxury stay at Amberley Castle and a National Trust gift card for use towards entry, membership, within onsite cafés and shops, or online shop purchases.”
And staff have been speaking passionately about the castle’s offering. One took to social media to eloquently encourage people to experience everything that made the castle special – from dinners to afternoon teas – and in so doing to help protect the jobs of the loyal team.
The Observer continues to support all local businesses as they reopen with our campaign #supportlocal