20 leisure jobs to go after 'drastic' revenue drop
Up to 20 leisure jobs could be lost in Shropshire due to a "drastic" fall in revenue, it has been announced.
Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, which runs Shrewsbury's Quarry swimming baths, Shrewsbury Sports Village, Oswestry Leisure Centre, Whitchurch Swimming Centre and Market Drayton Fitness and Swimming Centre, is considering redundancies after the coronavirus pandemic hit its finances.
Letters have been sent out to workers to inform them of the consultation process by Serco, the company which employs them.
Chris Stanbrook, contract manager for Shropshire Community Leisure Trust, said: "The Trust has now reluctantly found itself in a position where redundancies are being considered in order to manage costs within centres at a time when revenue has fallen drastically.
“In the current very challenging financial climate for leisure facilities, the Trust has no other option than to enter into a consultation period, which could result in around 20 employees being affected.
“Throughout the past six months, the Trust has received support from our client, Shropshire Council who understand the difficulties we are facing at the moment, as are all leisure operators.
“We will continue to support all colleagues during this difficult period as we have done throughout the pandemic. A redeployment team will assist all those affected in finding alternative positions if their role is made redundant.
“Right now, regular activity and a healthy immune system are more important than ever, so the service we’re providing is an essential one for the people of Shropshire. We will continue offering safe, clean venues for customers to exercise in, looking to re-grow demand and our membership base as Covid-19 restrictions ease.”
Councillor Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: “The council has given significant support to ensuring the provision of leisure services across Shropshire throughout the period of Covid-19 and continues to be committed to doing so. Nationally leisure services are going through very challenging times, and this is equally the case in Shropshire. The council will continue to work with Shropshire Community Leisure Trust to support the effective delivery of front-line leisure services through this difficult period.”
