Coronavirus closure sees cuts in workforce at Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa

As it deals with the “devastating impact” of the Coronavirus pandemic on the tourism industry, Singapore's Resorts World Sentosa has had to lay-off up to 2,000 staff members.

While the Genting owned integrated resort has not advised of the staff numbers cut, Singapore's Straits Times newspaper has reported that around 2,000 employees were let go.

Resorts World Sentosa which, at the end of 2019 had around 7,000 employees, has not confirmed the specific number of lay-offs but has advised in a statement that this was a “one-off workplace rationalisation” and the majority of its local staff remain with the company.

The statement added that making staff redundant was a difficult decision that was made after a thorough process of consultation, advising that all staff who have been let go will receive compensation.

The company also advised that it is also working with the Singapore Government and local agencies to help these staff members find new jobs.

Resorts World Sentosa said that this impact on tourism will leave “pervasive and lasting effects” that will “require significant adjustments by all travel and tourism players". RWS will begin the journey to adapt and transform as we stand united with Singapore to weather this crisis and prepare for the recovery of Singapore’s tourism.”

Resorts World Sentosa went on to advise that in order to respond quickly to situations in the current volatile climate, it had streamlined its operational resources, adding “over the past few months, we have reviewed all costs, eliminated non-essential spending and reduced the salaries of management by up to 30%.”

Resorts World Sentosa is wholly owned by Genting Singapore, a company of the Genting Group.

Earlier this year, Resorts World Sentosa closed the Crane Dance and the Maritime Experiential Museum to redevelop the waterfront promenade and expand the S.E.A Aquarium as part of its RWS 2.0 expansion plans. The company is also expanding Universal Studios Singapore with a Minion Park and a Super Nintendo World.

Singapore closed all its attractions, non-essential services and schools in April.