Cineworld must clarify mothballing reports to staff

Reports in the Sunday newspapers suggest that Cineworld are planning to mothball all of their cinemas in the UK.

Commenting, Philippa Childs, Head of Bectu said:

“If these reports are true, then the first people Cineworld should be informing are their staff who will suffer as a result – not the Sunday newspapers.

“While cinemas have been able to open since July and the experience of those who have visited since then has been an overwhelmingly positive one, the stark reality is that without new releases it is unlikely that footfall will increase to a level that makes opening financially viable.

“The delay in the release of the Bond film along with the other delayed releases has plunged cinema into crisis.

“Studios will have to think carefully when considering release dates about the impact that will have for the long-term future of the big screen.”