Coronavirus: Eastbourne hotel temporarily closes and lays off staff

Bay Majestic Hotel in Royal Parade closed on Friday (March 20) following measures introduced by the government discouraging nonessential travel.

The hotel has laid off staff until it reopens on April 30.

Specialist Leisure Group, which operates Bay Hotels, said 1,500 of its employees have been affected.

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Calling it a ‘very difficult but unavoidable’ decision, a spokesperson said, “Like most operators in the leisure sector, new Government measures have caused a sudden and significant reduction in bookings. This has made the economics of keeping the hotels open impossible.

“In the absence of any clarity around employee assistance from Government, it is important we take steps now to ensure the business remains viable once restrictions are eased.

“This has been a very difficult but unavoidable decision, and follows a period of intense dialogue with the Treasury, the Under Secretary of State for Sport, Tourism & Culture and numerous MPs to explore alternatives to closure.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and introduce further measures to protect the business if necessary.

“In the meantime, will be working closely with those staff affected to provide every support possible over the coming weeks during a difficult time for them and their families.”

This comes after Queens Hotel in Marine Parade also announced it will be closing its doors to holidaymakers until the end of April.

- The latest Government advice for dealing with coronavirus is for people to stay at home to protect themselves and others

- At the time of writing, East Sussex had nine confirmed cases of coronavirus

- The total UK confirmed cases is 5,683, according to the latest figures from the Government