COVID-19: Abuja Five-Star Hotel, Wells Carlton Lays Off Over 200 Employees

As the lockdown occasioned by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic takes its toll on businesses across the country, a five-star hotel in the federal capital territory, Abuja, Wells Carlton, has laid off its over 200 employees.

In a memo exclusively sighted by THE WHISTLER, the hotel,  which is a celebrities’ favorite, said it took the decision to temporarily retrench the entire staff because it was no longer generating any revenue.

The hotel said, since March, it has been suffering severe loss of revenue due to the effect of the pandemic, which led to temporary shut down of operations in mid march, 2020.

Furthermore, it said services of employees were therefore not required during the month of April, 2020,  as it remained closed and staff roles were considered redundant.

According to the memo addressed to staff, titled ‘Notice of Termination Due to COVID-19 Pandemic and Redundancy’, Wells Carlton said “Consequently, and in view of the foregoing, we are constrained to notify you that employment with us will terminate with effect 30th April, 2020. Nevertheless, and inspite of the critical and difficult challenges we are facing, you will be paid your one month for the month of April as your redundancy pay.

“Termination may be temporary as there remains the possibility that you may be rehired subsequently if business begins to pick up.”

The memo to the staff continued :”Should you be considered for possible rehire, dates for re-applying will be communicated and confirmed to you. However, please be aware that rehiring will be based on different variables as the organization reserves the right and discretion to determine under what conditions it may re-engage you.”