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27
May 2021
Job fears as Harrogate council reviews staff at new tourism organisation
A trade union has expressed concern that jobs could be lost as part of a staff review at Harrogate Borough Council's new tourism organisation.
The authority set up a destination management organisation in September to 'further grow economic impact and support the district's recovery plans following the covid pandemic'.
Gemma Rio was recruited as head of destination management to lead the new organisation, which combines Visit Harrogate, Harrogate Convention Centre’s marketing team and the district’s tourist information centres.
The council is now consulting on the new structure.
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The Stray Ferret was contacted by a source worried the process would lead to staff being made redundant if they didn't accept new roles.
We understand 25 to 30 staff in areas such as tourism information and museums fall under the review.
A consultation on the review is expected to end tomorrow.
The Stray Ferret approached Unison Harrogate local government branch and asked whether it had responded to the review.
A spokesman for Unison said it had concerns that staff were "at risk of being made redundant" and that it had "identified a number of concerns regarding the proposals but that there are also some things we believe we can support".
He added:
A council spokesperson said the destination management organisation "will ensure the best possible visitor experience and make the district of Harrogate a must visit destination for leisure and business tourists alike".
The spokesperson added:
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