Motibhai Group/Prouds duty free has operated at Nadi International Airport in Fiji since 1971.

Motibhai Group has told no fewer than 200 employees they could be made redundant due to the deep impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) on Fiji’s tourism industry.

In a statement, the Group that runs the Prouds chain of duty free stores at locations including Nadi International Airport says the pandemic has ‘struck hard’, forcing retail closures and prompting a ‘severe decline in trade’ across the Group’s activities.

As a result, the Group is carrying out an in-depth review of its operations to protect its economic viability in a new business environment, with several employee positions ceasing to exist as part of a new downsized structure.

Potential redundancies have been identified following a ‘very careful assessment’ based on role importance and relevance, continues the Group. The employment of long-standing members of staff will be favoured over those who have served for a lesser time.

BUSINESS RETURN: EARLIEST NEXT YEAR

The statement read: “This has been a difficult decision for the Group’s directors and management to make. We pride ourselves on being good and diligent employers and providing the training and support to bring out the best in our people. However, the current economic situation leaves us with few options.

“The fairest way forward is to release employees from employment, fairly and lawfully compensated, so that they can look clearly at their own best economic options. Redundancies will allow the staff for whom we no longer have work to receive their entitlements and pursue other options to support themselves and their families.

“Like most Fijian businesses, the Group initially introduced temporary measures aimed at reducing costs in the hope that the situation would soon stabilise and that things might quickly return to normal.

“However it has become clear from international developments that business activity will remain well below normal levels for many months. The Group does not believe that business will return to previous levels until at least 2021.”

In accordance with law, the Ministry of Employment has been notified with all relevant information and affected staff have an opportunity to discuss their situations with the Group before any final decisions are made.

All staff whose redundancy is confirmed will receive redundancy pay as required.