Hilton Hotels has announced it will lay off 2,100 people which comprise almost 22 per cent of its corporate workforce, worldwide.

As well as laying off, the big hotel group also said it would extend previously announced furloughs, reduced hours, and pay cuts by 90 days. “Never in Hilton’s 101-year history has our industry faced a global crisis that brings travel to a virtual standstill,” Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta said in a statement. “Hospitality will always be a business of people serving people, which is why I am devastated that to protect our business, we have been forced to take actions that directly impact our team members.”

Employees affected by the announcement are expected to receive severance pay, access to the Hilton alumni resources, an expedited recruitment process when travel resumes, and extended access to team member travel and loyalty programs.