Wigan hotel ‘hospital’ offer sees staff ditched

Britannia Hotels has temporarily closed its hotel in Standish until at least June 30 after the Government advised against all non-essential travel to delay the spread of Covid-19 spread.

It was one of 23 closures announced including the closure of Britannia hotels in Bolton, Blackpool, Edinburgh and Gatwick.

The business, which operates more than 60 hotels across the country, had advised the Government that it was willing and able to provide urgently needed supplementary hospital accommodation to help meet the challenges of the coming months and to free up valuable bed spaces for critical care during the coronavirus crisis.

But employees at another local Britannia hotel, which has also closed, told the Wigan Post that amid all the plaudits for supporting the NHS, the company had let its staff go as a result of the hotel shut downs.

A spokesman for Britannia would not provide any more information on the matter, and it is unclear how many of the closed hotels have been earmarked for makeshift hospital facilities.

A letter to workers at the Coylumbridge Hotel in Aviemore - owned by Britannia Hotels - emerged on Thursday night, which terminated employment and told affected staff to leave their accommodation immediately.

The letter to staff said: “Taking the latest government advice, this letter is to confirm that with effect from March 19 2020, your employment has been terminated as your services are no longer required.

“Your final payslip will include all hours worked up to and including your final day, together with any accrued holidays not already taken and one week’s pay in lieu of notice. You are asked to vacate the hotel accommodations immediately, returning any company property to John Macfarlane, hotel controller, before leaving the hotel.

“I would like to take this opportunity to wish you every success in securing future employment and thank you for your time at Britannia Hotels.”

On its website, the hotel firm said: “The health and safety of our guests and our staff working throughout the company is paramount to us.

“We have been closely monitoring the guidance issued by the Government, World Health Organisation, Public Health England as well as national health organisations.

“We are following this guidance where appropriate as well as taking preventative actions in our hotels and offices.”