South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has accused the Scottish Government of ignoring the plight of staff working at the Trump Turnberry resort, amid reports of redundancies, and plans to worsen the terms and conditions for workers.

The local MSP recently submitted three written parliamentary questions, raising concerns about the situation at the resort, to Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism Fergus Ewing. However, the replies received have been unsatisfactory at best.

The RMT Union has said up to 80 jobs are likely to be axed along with other cuts to sick pay, working hours, pay enhancements, staff benefits and working conditions.

Colin Smyth said: “The situation at the Trump Turnberry resort is deeply concerning and I have now raised the matter three times with the Scottish Government.

“However, the replies I have received have been extremely unsatisfactory and will certainly not reassure staff working at the resort, who are reportedly facing the sack, as well as cuts to sick pay, working hours and benefits.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has been extremely hard on our tourism industry but the reports from staff and the RMT Union suggest that Trump Turnberry is disregarding the rights of its staff and using the pandemic as an excuse to increase profits, while decreasing working conditions.

“I, along with the union, will continue to press the Scottish Government to act on this matter as a matter of priority.”