AN HISTORIC Victorian hotel has confirmed it has had to make staff redundant to “protect long term sustainability”.

The Argus received reports that staff at The Grand hotel, including members of the concierge team, had lost their jobs today.

When approached for comment, a representative for the hotel said bosses had “considered every available option to avoid losing any valued members of our team”.

But he admitted the hotel had been forced to “make a number of very difficult decisions in order to protect the long term sustainability of our hotels”.

The Argus:

The spokesman for The Grand hotel said: “Our business is built on the strength of our people and we have considered every available option to avoid losing any valued members of our team, however we have had to make a number of very difficult decisions in order to protect the long term sustainability of our hotels.

“We are providing as much support as possible for anyone affected during this very difficult time.”

Many businesses have struggled during the coronavirus crisis as the UK lockdown caused huge disruption across the globe.

The Argus:

With the introduction of the Stay Home mantra, introduction of stringent transport limitations and enforced closure of restaurants, bars, hotels and more, the travel and hospitality industries were some of the worst hit.

Household names such as EasyJet, British Airways and Hilton Hotels have each announced they are cutting a huge number of jobs.

The spokesman for The Grand revealed bosses were currently uncertain what lasting effects the lockdown could have on the hotel.

But he admitted it was likely the hotel would be running at a loss for some time.

The Argus:

He said: "The long term effects across the whole of our sector are currently unknown and it is likely that costs will continue to be much higher than our income levels for many months to come.

“The continued uncertainty around events also means it will take time for the wider business to bounce back.

“Our commitment to rebuild our business as quickly but as safely as possible is resolute and we hope, over time, both guest and staff numbers will return to pre-Covid levels.”