A FAMILY-owned business in Llandrindod Wells has announced that up to 18 jobs are at risk of redundancy, with others jobs facing reduced hours to decrease the risk of further redundancies.

The four-star Metropole Hotel and Spa added that all remaining 68 operational staff will be asked to reduce their hours to ease the risk of more job losses after a significant downturn in business as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The potential redundancies will affect staff at all levels.

Justin Baird-Murray, owner and managing director of the hotel for the past 25 years, said: “Three years’ ago we celebrated 120 years of my family’s ownership of The Metropole, and we shared that celebration with our wonderful team of staff, many of whom have worked at the hotel for decades, and are the life blood of our business. Without them we are nothing.

“Today is one of the saddest days in our long history. Having to consult with some of these wonderful people about redundancies is something I never dreamt I would have to do.”

The business owner added the impact of coronavirus on the industry and business has been “immediate and devastating.”

“From March 21, when we were instructed by the UK government to close, we have had zero revenue. But many of the costs of this business continue. Despite our best efforts to reduce costs, combined with the loss of income, closure has cost the business £400,000 - up to June 1.

“Every summer month we are closed will cost the business a further £150,000. Our forecasts for the 12 months to April 2021 anticipate a reduction in turnover of £2million, and that assumes we will open for trade in August - with two-metre social distancing in place.

“This would have a profound effect on any business. In order to reopen we have been supported by Barclays Bank with a loan of £1million; money that we have borrowed not to invest and improve our product, as we would have previously done, but simply to survive.”

Mr Baird-Murrary added that he is grateful for the support of loyal guests and the community since the closure.

“We’ve had many messages of support and encouragement, something we are very grateful for,” he added.

“Despite the current sadness around potential redundancies I am confident that the business will bounce back strongly in 2021. Many of the events that we planned for 2020 have moved to 2021 such as the Porsche 914 International which was due this weekend, and would have brought tens of thousands of pounds to the local economy.

“Throughout the crisis I have been working closely with our trade association, UK Hospitality Cymru, and Welsh Government, to ensure that when we open it is safe for us to do so.

“I am very confident that the protocols and risk assessments we have in place will ensure a safe environment for our staff, guests and the local community.”