Plymouth man made redundant after working in new job for just four days

A Plymouth man who was made redundant after working in a new job for just four days says he was left 'shellshocked'.

Dave Rotheram moved from Cornwall to take up a post as events manager at a Plymouth hotel in March - but soon found himself heading home again, having been furloughed.

A few weeks later he got the call to say he was no longer required.

"I worked there for four days, that was all," Dave said. "Then lockdown happened, so I didn't even get to meet many people, I think I just about managed to work out where my office was.

"They said unfortunately because we're not forecasting any business for the events sector for the next six to twelve months you're redundant. That took me with a big sideswipe to be honest.

"Now that I've been made redundant, and I'd imagine a lot of other people have as well in the hospitality sector, the pool of jobs has become smaller and the number of people wanting to get those jobs has become a lot bigger. So it's going to be a hard slog to get back into that now."

Dave's story is becoming worryingly familiar for tourism-related businesses across the region.

There are job cuts on the cards at Bristol airport; restaurants such as Rick Stein's in Port Isaac will not re-open; and zoos, such as Living Coasts in Torquay have also decided they have no option but to shut their doors.

Experts fear that without proper help, the entire industry could be on the brink of collapse.

Alastair Handyside from the South West Tourism Alliance said: "Losing 50 per cent plus of revenue, not many businesses can sustain that.

"The visitor economy sustains the South West so we really need to see some targeted support coming to businesses. That might be more business rates holiday, that might be all kinds of support. We've been telling the MPs quite clearly what they need to do to help us repair and recover."

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "Britain needs a break, and from July 4th people can now take a well deserved staycation.

"We’ll need the public to keep safe on holiday by following the advice we’re providing, but there is no doubt this is the news many have been waiting for.  I am looking forward to a British holiday myself.

"Our guidance will help the tourism businesses reopen safely, reassure locals and allow businesses to welcome guests back with confidence."