Star Entertainment stands down 90% of workforce

The Star Entertainment Group had to cease activities due to coronavirus.

Australia.- The Star Entertainment Group explained in a statement the reasons that made the company stand down about 90% of its workforce.

The firm was forced by the government to cease gaming, banquet, and F&B operations in Sydney, Gold Coast, and Brisbane, leaving only limited hotel services, among other measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

“The Star has taken a very difficult, but necessary, decision in relation to its workforce. We are in the process of temporarily standing down over 90% of our approximately 9,000 employees. These stand-downs include senior management. To assist our employees at this time, The Star has provided two weeks of paid pandemic leave. In addition, employees will be able to access any accrued annual and long service leave entitlements”, said the Star in the filing.

Chairman John O’Neill commented: “This is a unique environment and one beyond our control in which we’re determined to balance the necessary measures needed to protect the business while considering the considerable human impact to our workforce.”

These measures are intended to lower operating costs and reduce capital expenditure during the period of the coronavirus crisis.