US President Donald Trump’s company has asked the UK Government to bail out his Ayrshire gold course as the coronavirus pandemic wreaks economic chaos.
The Trump Organisation is seeking to furlough staff at Trump Turnberry resort, while the company is barred from seeking government aid in the US.
According to Bloomberg, the company is seeking government aid to pay most of the salaries of staff at the two money-losing golf courses in Scotland.
Sarah Malone, executive vice president of the Trump resort in Aberdeenshire, told the news company: “Like millions of businesses around the globe, we have been forced by government mandate to temporarily close our hospitality and leisure facilities.
“We are no different to any other business, including many media companies. This has nothing to do with Trump and does not benefit the business - the actions we have taken are solely to protect people and their families who would otherwise be out of work and struggling to survive financially.”
In a statement to USA Today, Eric Trump said: “Like millions of businesses around the globe, we have been forced by Government mandate to temporarily close our hospitality and leisure facilities, and are doing all that we can to retain and support our highly valued staff.
“The job retention plan created by the UK Government has nothing to do with the Trump Organization and does not benefit the business – it is solely about protecting people and their families.”
Trump Turnberry were asked for comment but have not responded at the time of publication.
*****************
Scotland is in lockdown. Shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. We're not exaggerating when we say that the future of the Ayr Advertiser, and the vital local news service we've provided since 1803, is under threat.
Please consider supporting the Ayr Advertiser in whatever way you can – by paying just 90p for a copy of the paper, when you're shopping for essential supplies for yourself and others, or by subscribing to our e-edition here.
Thanks – and stay safe.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here