employees find new jobs.

And the resort's Human Resources director has confirmed that some workers have already left to take up new positions with other companies.

Last month it was announced that the hotel would be shutting down in November to undergo massive redevelopment. Although it is hoped that the hotel will re-open in 2001, up to 400 staff will be made redundant by the end of the peak season.

Human Resources director Lorrita Tucker-Simmons said the company was doing everything it could to help staff find other jobs.

And they plan to invite major names in the hospitality industry to spend a "recruitment day'' at the hotel. Companies looking to take on experienced staff will be able to headhunt employees soon to be made redundant. The recruitment day is expected to be held in August.

The company is also currently holding counselling sessions with staff to discuss their needs.

And, despite the imminent closure, the hotel is still looking to recruit numerous staff on a short-term basis.

Advertisements were posted in yesterday's Bermuda Sun, calling for waiters, pot washers, front desk agents, a chef, catering manager and a host of other vacancies to work during the coming season.

Also advertised was a vacancy for a redundancy and vacation pay project coordinator.

"We have had a few people who have left the hotel and have been very successful in getting positions elsewhere,'' Mrs. Tucker-Simmons said. "One of the things we have been doing is having rap sessions with each department which has helped because we're focusing on their concerns.

"We are also working to put our recruitment day together which is going to be extremely comprehensive. People will be able to come in and get the opportunity to look at all the candidates and assess them.

"What we will do is make contact with businesses and set a day when they can come in -- the one advantage about having notice that the hotel is going to close.

"It's the least we can do. The hotel industry can be very good to people but it can also be very hard. It has its challenges but people have remained here throughout all the insecurity.''