Mountbatten and Pyramids Centre operator BH Live announces 200 redundancies

BH Live has announced the redundancies as a way to secure the future of the organisation.

The operator runs the Mountbatten Centre, Pyramids, Charter, Portsmouth Tennis Centre, Eastney Swimming Pool, the Gymnastics Centre and Wimbledon Park Gym & Sports Centre.

The company also manages several venues in Bournemouth.

Chris Symons, chief executive of BH Live, said: ‘Since we were required to close our centres and venues in March, we have had very little opportunity to trade and bring in the necessary income to cover our costs.

‘Because of the furlough scheme we have been able to support as many employees as possible, for as long as possible. However as the scheme is changing, and we are not able to fully return to trading at this time, job losses will be an unfortunate and regrettable reality of this pandemic.

‘But by making these changes now, we can secure the future of BH Live, and support our recovery which will enable us to continue to play a key role in the communities we serve.’

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He added: ‘We will also continue to seek financial support through Government schemes including the DCMS £1.57bn fund and remain hopeful of similar targeted support funds for the leisure and hospitality sectors which may enable us to reduce and reverse this necessary action.’

The Mountbatten Centre and the gym at the Pyramids Centre reopened on Saturday July 25.

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