Butlin’s warns 10,000 workers could be laid off as it closes amid coronavirus crisis

BUTLIN'S owner has warned that 10,000 seasonal staff could be laid off as it temporarily closes its doors due to the coronavirus crisis.

Bourne Leisure Group, Butlins' parent group, says its entire seasonal workforce may be at risk if parks can't reopen.

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The company also owns Haven resorts, as well as Warner Leisure Hotels.

Butlin's, Haven, and Warner said earlier this week they'll be closing resorts from March 20 until April 16.

This includes all three of Butlin's UK resorts in Minehead, Bognor Regis and Skegness.

The decision was made following a statement by the foreign secretary Dominic Raab that Brits shouldn't travel anywhere outside the UK for at least 30 days to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Bourne stresses that all staff will be paid until April 16, and adds that it's 7,000 contracted full-time and part-time staff are currently unaffected.

But the company warns it may not be able to pay workers' wages without emergency aid from the government after April 16.

It says this may leave it with no choice but to let its 10,000 seasonal workers go.

A spokesman for Bourne said: “We have taken on circa. 10,000 seasonal employees for the summer season but we have now had to temporarily close our three brands to our holidaymakers until April 16.

"We value our team very highly and we are committed to paying them until April 16.

"We have been very active in communicating with them and talking about the current situation.

"We are hopeful that the government recognises our commitment to our team who we value very highly and we are hopeful that they can come up with a package to resolve this challenging issue and help our wonderful team.”

The travel industry has been particularly badly hit by coronavirus with flights cancelled due to Foreign and Commonwealth Office restrictions.

British Airways pilots have been forced to take three months’ unpaid leave.

While Richard Branson was told to "flog" his private island as Virgin Airlines staff were forced to take eight weeks unpaid leave.

EasyJet staff have also been asked to take three months unpaid leave due to coronavirus.