Jurys Doyle denies friction with SIPTU over job losses at Ballsbridge

JURYS DOYLE has denied any friction with trade union SIPTU over the potential loss of 425 jobs at its hotels on the Ballbsbridge site.

This was sold last week to property developer Sean Dunne for €260 million.

In a statement, a group spokesman played down any tensions over the potential job losses when the hotels close for good in December 2007.

He also denied any threat to existing deals that workers fear could be undermined if the €1.1bn takeover from Precinct Investments, the owner of the rival Gresham group, goes through. A decision on the sale is due on August 19, when the Jurys board is expected to recommend the €17.50 per share bid. The board is believed to be split on the decision.

A spokesman for the trade union group played down reported concerns among workers at the hotel chain.

It is understood the union will write to the group in due course but, from a worker's perspective, it has no immediate concerns about developments.

While the threat to jobs is real, both sides have agreed to talks at a later date. There is a good relationship between management and SIPTU, the Jury's spokesman said.

He said the company expected a letter from the union seeking talks about the long term outlook for workers, in the light of the rapidly changing circumstances within the group.

Jurys confirmed yesterday that just over 300 of the workforce in the two hotels are permanent. Another 125 are part-time and all face uncertain futures after the two hotels close. In a statement, Jurys said: "Everything is as is until December, 2007 and the appropriate discussions and negotiations will take place in due course."

In the case of Jurys Cork, the bulk of the 160 workers affected by the sale of the site earlier this year took voluntary redundancy. Transfers within the group were offered as an option for some, but most of the jobs were lost. This was done on an agreed basis, the spokesman said.

Precinct made an improved offer of €17.50 per share last week, on condition that 80% of shareholders back the deal. Precinct also made an alternative offer of €16.75 a share that would kick in if only 65% of shareholders were to back its takeover.

The shares closed at €17.10 in Dublin yesterday.