More than 100 jobs under threat at Glasgow Hilton hotel

By Jenness Mitchell & Ronnie Charters

More than 100 jobs are under threat at Glasgow Hilton.

The multinational hotel chain said the proposed cuts are in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite the tourism and hospitality industries being allowed to reopen as part of phase three of the route map out of lockdown, continued restrictions has forced Hilton to take action in an effort to protect the long-term sustainability of the business.

Due to social distancing requirements, the hotel has not been able to restart its full range of onsite facilities.

In addition, the company also anticipates it will be relying on domestic guests until demand increases for leisure and business travel, in particular conferences and events.

A total of 109 full-time roles have been earmarked for redundancy, which equates to around 144 workers affected under the proposals.

Alongside executive roles, security, purchasing and engineering, the business development, front of house and kitchen departments will be affected.

It is understood the food and beverage department will be worst hit, with more than 60 roles facing the chop. Housekeeping could also lose more than 30 staff members.

A Hilton spokesperson said: “Covid-19 has created unprecedented challenges for our industry and with social distancing measures and travel restrictions remaining in place, it is unlikely we will get back to normal operations for some time.

“As a result, we are having to make some very difficult decisions about our future structure.

“We have worked hard to minimise the impact on jobs so far, but we have been left with no choice but to resize and restructure the team at Hilton Glasgow.

“Over the coming weeks, we will be discussing future plans with our team members so that we can hear their views and minimise the impact on jobs as much as possible.”

Union Unite said it was supporting members through the process.

A spokesperson said: “News that Hilton is looking to terminate a majority of staff at their Glasgow flagship has come as a devastating shock to our members there, especially when the hotel has only just reopened.

“Hilton can and should be using the Job Retention Scheme to continue to furlough staff on a flexible basis rather than using Covid as an excuse to offload loyal staff.

“The reason they are doing so now is to avoid having to contribute to staff wages from September and in order to use the JRS to cover notice pay.

“We would urge Hilton to rethink this premature, ill-conceived and knee-jerk decision before its reputation is irrevocably damaged with customers and the wider public.”