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Employees at Coylumbridge Hotel in Aviemore, which is run by Britannia Hotel Group, have been made redundant, with the group attributing the decision to the government’s coronavirus advice.
A letter which was sent to the staff at the Scottish hotel has circulated online, with social media users calling to “boycott” the Britannia Hotel Group. The letter read: “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.”
The letter also asked staff to “vacate the hotel accommodations immediately”, and asked staff members to return any company property to hotel controller John Macflane “before leaving the hotel”.
The letter concluded: “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.”
Taking to Twitter, UK Hospitality CEO Kate Nicholls said: “These are acutely difficult times and we know there is fear and anxiety but our businesses want to do the right thing by our people – and this is categorically not that and is so far away from our devastating normality. We have help available for those affected.”
The news follows days after the Scottish government announced financial actions being taken to help businesses around the country amid the Covid-19 virus outbreak.
Kate Forbes, SNP Cabinet Secretary for Finance also tweeted: “It’s a tough time for everybody, that’s why we’ve tried to help the hospitality industry, so it’s disappointing to see what appears to be the heartless treatment of staff.”
In October last year, Britannia Hotel Group was named the “worst” hotel chain in the UK for the seventh year, with a customer score of 39%, according to Which?.
The consumer charity reported that customers described the hotel as “dirty” and “neglected”, with 44% of guests saying they experienced an issue or problem during their stay.
Hotel Owner has contacted Britannia Hotels for a comment.
