All cost cutting exercises explored, Mansfield councillor says as 40 leisure centre staff face redundancy

A Mansfield councillor says ‘all cost cutting options’ have been explored after news that 40 jobs are projected to go at the town’s leisure centres.
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In a statement issued last Wednesday, Andrew Smith, Contract Manager, for Mansfield District Leisure Trust said that 40 redundancies in the town’s leisure centres were on the cards and were “the last resort” to cut costs.

In what he called the “current, very challenging operating climate” for leisure facilities he said “regretfully, there was “no other option” but to enter into a consultation period with employees.

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"We are projecting that around 40 colleagues may lose their jobs,” he said.

Councillor Andy Burgin - Picture: Mansfield District CouncilCouncillor Andy Burgin - Picture: Mansfield District Council
Councillor Andy Burgin - Picture: Mansfield District Council

"Throughout this process, we have supported all colleagues affected by the restructure, signposting many towards alternative employment opportunities as well as providing free access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme helpline and support service.

"As a result of the consultation, and in readiness for when we can reopen, we have successfully been able to retain over fourteen roles across our sites, considerably reducing the number of those at risk.”

And responding on Tuesday, Councillor Andy Burgin, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Leisure at the district council, added: “Mansfield District Council understands the difficulties facing the leisure industry as a result of the pandemic and that all cost-cutting opportunities have been fully explored to minimise redundancies that are only being considered as a last resort.

Water Meadows is taking part in National Fitness DayWater Meadows is taking part in National Fitness Day
Water Meadows is taking part in National Fitness Day
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He added: “We continue to work closely with Mansfield District Leisure Trust and its operator Serco to ensure that our leisure centres are in the best possible position for reopening when the Government lifts the current restrictions.”

Mansfield District Leisure Trust run four leisure centres across the town – the Oak Tree Leisure Centre on Jubilee Way South; the Rebecca Adlington Swimming Centre on Westdale Road; the River Maun Recreation Centre on Barringer Road and the Water Meadows Swimming and Fitness Centre at Titchfield Park.

Leisure centres across the country have been badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic, being forced to close from March until the end of July during the first lockdown. They were then forced to close again once the second lockdown began on November 5.

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