Grosvenor Casino in Swansea has closed for good, with an employee claiming the terms of their redundancy agreement were changed without their knowledge. The venue stopped trading on Sunday, August 30.
Financial challenges cited for closure
WalesOnline previously reported that the firm blamed “significant and sustained financial challenges” at its High Street casino. The venue recorded an operating loss of £73,000 for the financial year ending June 28, with revenue performance £635,000 below budget.
The casino also said operating costs had risen by 11% over the past three years, while profitability had declined by 107% in the last ten years.
Redundancy payment dispute
A letter seen by WalesOnline, updating employees on the consultation process, stated: “The consultation process has now formally concluded and Grosvenor Casino will close at the close of business on Sunday, August 30. A redundancy payment will be made on termination of employment and should be free of tax and national insurance deductions. This will be paid by BACS transfer in the October payroll.”
However, an employee claimed that during the collective consultation process it was agreed that redundancy pay and any further amounts owed would be paid on their last payday, September 8. The employee described the delay until October as “really unfair” and said the payment date had been changed “without their knowledge and after consultation meetings.”
Company response
WalesOnline put the claims to Grosvenor Casino. A spokesman said: “After a thorough consultation process we have made the difficult decision to close Grosvenor Casino Swansea. This is not a decision that we have taken lightly but we need to remain focused on the longer-term health of the business. We sincerely thank our colleagues for their professionalism, dedication and contribution to Grosvenor Casinos over the years especially during this difficult period.”
