Moray travel firm Beaver cuts 19 jobs
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A WIDELY respected Moray travel agent has announced it is cutting 19 jobs across its workforce – forced by the impact of Brexit and coronavirus.
Beaver Travel, which has built up strong community links in its 47 years' trading, runs outlets in both Elgin's South Street and Forres High Street, with a popular café forming part of the Elgin branch.
The 19 people are being made redundant across both branches – including five at Forres and all eight Elgin café staff.
A spokesperson said customers, both existing and new bookings, would continue to be remotely supported by a retained core team of local specialists and that branch reopening dates were still to be determined.
The company praised staff for their dedication in a statement issued today. Beaver Travel's director said the "painful decision" had been taken to ensure the firm's survival after every other avenue had been explored.
Paul Cronje, director, said: "We are deeply saddened to have to be taking this action.
"Prior to the devastating coronavirus pandemic, business performances in 2019 across both Elgin and Forres branches were negatively affected by Brexit uncertainty.
"The considerable challenges we then faced going into 2020 to achieve profitability have been dwarfed by the devastating long-term impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
"Following a month-long consultation period, we must take this very regrettable action now in order to ensure the business will survive, albeit with a significantly reduced operational capacity.
"We have done everything we can to try and retain jobs, but we are now faced with a set of circumstances where we have exhausted all other options."
He added: "The 19 employees affected across both our Elgin and Forres branches – including all eight of the Elgin branch café staff – must be commended for their dedication and commitment throughout their time with Beaver Travel.
"Whilst we are facing adversity, all customer holiday bookings will remain protected, and we have ensured Beaver Travel will continue to offer our customers expert travel support and a large and diverse holiday package offering."
A statement was also issued to customers this morning.
Mr Cronje assured customers that current bookings would be unaffected, adding: "We remain available to support you with queries regarding current or future bookings."
Beaver Travel became part of the business travel specialist Clyde Group in 2017, which already owned its main rival, Alba Travel, based in Inverness.
The cuts come less than two weeks after shoe shop Clarks announced the closure of its Elgin branch, affecting nine jobs.
Customers can contact Beaver at www.beaver.travel/contact-us.
