)
Covid-19 gathering restrictions have forced Star Entertainment Group (ASX: SGR) to temporarily stand down 90 per cent of its 9,000 strong workforce.
The impact of social distancing measures announced by the Federal, New South Wales, and Queensland Governments forced Star to close its gaming facilities, and food and beverage, banqueting and conferencing offerings on Monday.
This will have a material impact on Star's operations and its three properties The Star Sydney, Treasury Brisbane, and The Star Gold Coast.
"This is a unique environment and one beyond our control in which we're determined to balance the necessary measures needed to protect the business while considering the considerable human impact to our workforce," says SGR chairman John O'Neill.
The 8,100 staff stood down, which includes those in senior management roles, will be given two weeks of paid pandemic leave. In addition these employees will be able to access any accrued annual and long service leave entitlements.
The board and senior management will also forego a percentage of entitled directors' fees and salaries respectively.
Updated at 11:10am AEDT on 25 March 2020.
)
