UK: Former Manchester United footballers Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, who co-own two hotels in Manchester through their GG Hospitality group, have announced that both properties will be made available free of charge to NHS workers.
In a personal video published on the Hotel Football Twitter page, Gary Neville has announced that in spite of closing the two hotels over the weekend, staff and team members will not be made redundant nor asked to take unpaid leave.
He also announced that all 176 beds across the properties will be occupied by National Health Service workers and medical professionals from Friday onwards, completely free of charge.
“It’s at this moment in time that I think the whole of our industry needs to show solidarity – not just for our staff in these uncertain times, but for obviously the people who need the accommodation most in the coming months,” Neville said.
The announcement closely follows news of Chelsea football club offering NHS workers free accommodation over the next two months at the Millennium Hotel at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea said in its statement: “Many of the medical staff will be working long shifts and may not be able to travel home or would otherwise have to make long commutes. Local accommodation helps maintain the health and well-being of these crucial personnel at this critical time.”
“This will be for a two-month period, and then reconsidered in light of circumstances at the time. NHS staff will be those working in hospitals in the North-West London region, but that may extend to hospitals in other districts.”
“Millennium Hotels and Resorts, who manage the hotel, are supportive and assisting the club in providing this service to the NHS.”
