Additional assurances were given to the party representatives in relation to staff rights in the context of redundancy and Deloitte representatives reported on ‘real interest’ from prospective buyers for the Hotel.
Sinn Féin emphasised that the 35 staff members get all of the payments they are entitled to. Hotel administrators confirmed that staff will be paid any wages not yet paid, redundancy and holiday pay and pay in lieu of notice. The Deliotte representatives also confirmed with the party delegation that there is on-going, 24-hour security at the site.
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Speaking after the meeting Gerry Kelly MLA said: "We met with the Hotel Administrators, Deloitte and are satisfied that the necessary arrangements are in place to pay staff members the wages they are entitled to. Deloitte are processing this through the required channel of Department of Employment & Learning.
"In relation to payments for functions, Deloitte have also been given the commitment from former Hotel owner Mr Wong that he will pay them back in full.
"We were also heartened to hear of what the Deloitte representatives referred to as ‘real interest’ by buyers in the purchase of the Hotel. Like everybody else in North Belfast, we hope that the Lansdowne is back as an operating Hotel as soon as possible."
Councillor Tierna Cunningham said: "Our priority in all of this has been to protect the workers and people affected by function payments and we will continue to get back to the many people who have brought their concerns to us."
(CD)
