The King of Islington has closed following numerous union-backed allegations against the Dundee-based pub chain Macmerry and Abandon Ship.
In an email sent to staff, upper management have taken the decision to close based on “massively reduced trade levels”.
It also stated that some more venues may have to close and trading hours would be restricted in others.
It reads: “We trust that any grievances will be resolved and at this point we are hopeful that trade will resume.”
Unite Hospitality, the union backing the complaint, have branded the move “trade union victimisation” and have threatened legal action.
The closure comes as a Dundee councillor wrote to the licensing board to demand a full investigation into the claims.
Councillor calls for licensing investigation
More than 50 workers from the chain have filed a mass complaint against directors.
It’s claimed employees were “expected or felt pressured” into working shifts while experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, awaiting PCR results, and after coming into close contact with a coronavirus case.
Councillor Richard McCready has asked the Dundee City Licensing Board to look into the allegations of Covid-19 breaches at the Dundee venues ran by the firm.
The Dundee venues named are Abandon Ship, Bird & Bear, Nola, Draffens, the King of Islington, the Blue Room, and Franks with staff often working across all.
The firm has rejected all claims but said it is willing to discuss any genuine grievances or concerns.
Many hospitality businesses across the country are struggling in the wake of new omicron restrictions and limited financial support.
‘Trade union victimisation’
The union backing the bar workers is now considering legal action following the closure.
Unite Hospitality’s lead organiser Bryan Simpson said: “If Macmerry has indeed closed the King of Islington, it would be regarded by Unite as trade union victimisation.
“100% of staff from this venue signed the grievance and were members of Unite.
“We urge directors to clarify the position of the company otherwise we shall be commencing legal action for trade union victimisation.”
West End councillor Richard McCready has asked the licensing board to look into the allegations against the brand.
He said: “Like many other people I read the allegations, in today’s Courier and Evening Telegraph, against Macmerry 300 Limited and Abandon Ship Limited with a great deal of concern.
“I am aware that the companies concerned refute the allegations, but I also feel that these are serious enough to merit the Licensing Board looking at whether they have any means of intervening.
“The hospitality sector has faced many trials and tribulations over the past two years due to Covid-19.
‘Support the hospitality sector’
“I want to be clear that I want to support an extensive hospitality sector in the city of Dundee.
“I think that the council should be looking to do what it can to support the sector and ensure that there are pubs and restaurants still operating when, at last, the pandemic comes to an end.
“However, the difficulties faced by the hospitality sector cannot be an excuse for alleged bad behaviour.
“The public need to know that licence holders are doing all that they can to limit the spread of Covid-19 in their premises.
“I am asking that Dundee Licensing Board have a look at this case and see if there are any actions which should take.”
Deputy convener of the Dundee Licensing Board Stewart Hunter said: “I would hope that the relevant authorities investigate the allegations.
“Once they have done so, if they feel it is appropriate, they can refer the matter to the Licensing Board.
“Should they do so then I have no doubt that the Board will take the matter seriously.”
Further restrictions and closures ‘may be inevitable’
A spokesperson for MacMerry300 said: “The current, very public attack by Unite is wholly counter-productive as we have experienced a significant hit to trade in the last 48 hours due to their promotion of unsubstantiated allegations.
“Our clear preference would be to meet with all those involved and discuss any issues in a constructive manner.
“We have already offered several dates to Unite and await their confirmation.
“Until sensible dialogue can take place, I fear that further restrictions and closures may be inevitable and I am at a loss to see who benefits from this.”
