THE Gwent resort hosting next year's Ryder Cup made 48 people redundant last month and may have to axe up to 22 more posts.

We revealed in January that 70 jobs at the Celtic Manor Resort were at risk as part of a review into cutting costs during the current economic downturn.

A spokesman said this week: “As part of that process, it was necessary to confirm 48 redundancies in February but the operational review is ongoing.

“With business conditions worsening, it is possible further redundancies may be necessary, taking the total number of job losses closer to the figure of 70 originally announced.”

The resort, owned by billionaire businessman Sir Terry Matthews, is set to host the Ryder Cup in 2010.

It has a number of departments, including house keeping, reception, bar and restaurant, spa, creche, customer services, human resources, green keepers, administrators, leisure, security and management.

It is not known what departments have been affected. The spokesman declined to specify as the operational review is ongoing.

It is not thought that the situation will impact on the Celtic Manor’s ability to host the Ryder Cup. It is not known whether more staff will be taken on during the world’s most prestigious golf tournament.

A spokesman said in January: “Redundancy is not a step the resort would take lightly, but it is one of a number of efficiency savings being considered to ensure its operations remain competitive during the current economic downturn.”

The Celtic Manor has three championship golf courses, a £10 million clubhouse and a spa, and its website says the resort also offers tennis, shooting and fine dining.

Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to attend each day of the Ryder Cup.