Workers at three Channel Island hotels could have hours cut to combat quiet winter months

The company described the cutting of staff's hours as "not a decision we have taken lightly". Credit: ITV Channel

Workers at three Channel Island hotels could have their hours, and as a result their pay, cut to combat the quiet winter period, according to a letter sent to staff and seen by ITV News.

Hand Picked Hotels - which runs sites like L'Horizon in Jersey and St Pierre Park in Guernsey - is reducing some employee's hours by 12.5%, due to a lack of bookings this time of year.

The decision, the letter says, has been taken due to a "diminution in work" over the period.

Hand Picked Hotel Group has 21 luxury properties in the UK and the Channel Islands.

Staff at Grand Jersey Hotel & Spa and Fermain Valley Hotel in Guernsey are among those affected.

One member of staff, speaking anonymously, said some staff are thinking of leaving due to the decision.

"We have just had to work really hard and endless hours over Christmas and they do this" the employee said.

The period between Christmas and the Spring is particularly challenging for the hospitality industry. However, hoteliers and travel experts have told ITV News that this year is proving especially challenging.

Robert McKenzie is a Channel Islands travel agent and blames the cost of living crisis in the UK for hitting winter tourism.

He says: "People's disposable income, discretionary income is under pressure. So I think people are looking to cut back on maybe short breaks and holidays in the off-season and focus on still being able to take a holiday in the summer."

A Hand Picked Hotels spokesperson said:

"Hand Picked Hotels, facing challenging market headwinds and reduced guest demand, has alongside many other hotel and hospitality businesses in the UK, made the tough decision to reduce the number of payroll hours in the short-term, by up to 12.5% in total. This is not a decision we have taken lightly.

"The hospitality industry in the UK was devastated by Covid and in most cases had only just got back to breaking even in late 2022.

"Despite operating in a challenging economic environment, with on-going rising costs and lower consumer confidence, Hand Picked Hotels remains committed to our people and to delivering the best possible service to our guests."

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