Butlin’s parent Bourne Leisure has warned it could be forced to lay off 10,000 seasonal workers if it does not receive financial help from the government.
Its three brands – Butlins, Warner Leisure Hotels and Haven – closed their doors today because of the coronavirus pandemic. They hope to re-open on April 16 and have pledged to pay staff until then.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to announce measures today to help embattled companies pay their employees.
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A Bourne Leisure company spokesman 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.
“We also need to remember the leisure industry is the fourth largest industry in the UK, representing 11% of GDP.”
More: Coronavirus: Haven to close its holiday parks until April 16
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Coronavirus: Butlin’s resorts to close from March 20 to April 16