Up to 30 jobs are expected to be cut at the home of golf as a result of the “economic tidal wave” caused by the coronavirus.
The St Andrews Links Trust, which runs seven golf courses in the town, including the iconic Old Course, has confirmed it will enter into consultation with staff in the coming weeks.
All the affected jobs will be in the food and beverage teams in kitchens and restaurants at its three clubhouses, as well as at the West Sands Café.
A review of staffing began in January before the pandemic, but a spokesman said the impact of lockdown had exacerbated matters and accelerated the process.
North East Fife Liberal Democrat MSP Willie Rennie described the news as devastating.
“That the economic tidal wave that has followed the pandemic has hit the home of golf shows how devastating and far-reaching the effects are,” he said.
“I know the trust have done everything they can to save these jobs.
“The challenge is to ensure that those who have lost their job are given the opportunity of training, education or a new job as quickly as possible.”
A spokesperson for St Andrews Links Trust said: “In January this year we commenced a review of our food and beverage department to identify measures to make it more sustainable for the future.
“Following the UK-wide lockdown in March, the review also incorporated an assessment of the longer term effects of covid-19, which has had a significant impact on the hospitality industry.
“We have now briefed all members of the food and beverage team about a restructure proposal that would create a sustainable future.
“In the coming weeks we will be entering into consultation with our food and beverage team so that we can hear their views and minimise the impact on jobs as much as possible.
“Throughout this process our commitment and priority is to provide the best possible support to the colleagues impacted by these measures and to strengthen the future resilience of the trust.”
The trust employs around 400 people in peak season, making it one of St Andrews’ largest employers.
It operates three clubhouses – St Andrews Links, used by members of the Old Course, New Course and Jubilee Course; The Castle overlooking St Andrews Bay, and The Eden for members of Eden, Strathtyrum and Balgove courses.
The news comes just weeks after staff at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews were told to expect job cuts as a result of the “significant impact” of coronavirus.
