Skip to main content
Legal news

Older workers sacked at Longleat

Jonathan Winston Jonathan Winston
2 min read

Union leaders have reacted angrily to news that 27 of the oldest workers on the Longleat Estate have been sacked, just a year before new laws would make such a move illegal.

The estate, which employs 450 full-time and part-time workers at the height of the tourist season, has confirmed that it is letting the staff go but denies that it is age discrimination. Of the 27, 18 were between 70 and 75 and a further seven were between 75 and 80, most of them were part-time workers who were described as “only doing the odd day during the tourist season”.

However TUC regional secretary Nigel Costley has said that the move has been made now to try and avoid the new legislation which is due to come in next October. He said that it was bad for the employer as they lose the experience and bad for the individuals involved. Jo Sparrow, marketing manager for Longleat denied the claims and said it was part of “modernisation plans”.

She said: “We have not made any redundancies. All staff have a contract which says they retire at 65. We have previously had a relaxed approach and let them continue working if they want to. We are looking for new skill sets, like IT skills, for the new season when we will have new attractions and new animals. Sadly, that means we’ve had to let go of some long-standing staff.”

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1332673/Marquess-Bath-78-sacks-65-Longleat-Safari-Park.html

Client feedback

Quick, efficient and on point. Instructions were followed diligently. The whole sale process was relatively smooth and Michelle made it much easier than I had expected.
Anonymous
We are very happy with the service provided by Winstons solicitors when we were selling our parents house. The house sale fell through twice before completion but the team at Winstons remained very patient and happy to help. I always felt like the process moved very quickly from our side when compared to other solicitors in the process and the fees were very reasonable. The portal was kept up to date so we could easily track progress. Would recommend. Thanks guys, we got there in the end!
Mr Hardy
So glad we chose Winston's solicitors to act on our behalf . Fantastic from day one a big thanks to Samantha and the team . I would highly recommend them .
Mr F
Leasa Foster, our solicitor when we bought a property this year, provided timely, accurate advice that helped steer us to a good outcome. She was very firm in communicating with our counterparties, and always congenial and open to explaining situations in our personal communications. Super recommended...
Silvana
Winston solicitors did a fantastic job. Michelle Ayres took on my house sale and the entire process was excellent. She always replied to me quickly and kept me up-to-date with the progress of the sale. I would definitely recommend them.
Alex
Highly professional and timely in their work. Sidraa Razaq and her team are quick, clever, and responsive to the need to deliver results.
Chandra
Used for conveyancing following a bereavement. Efficient and freindly service, great communication. Thanks so much!
Dr Sutcliffe
Having used Winston Solicitors twice, once for the sale of a house and also for Probate. Both experiences were very good, and will be using again when the need arises.
Mike
Contact Jonathan