1,000 UK jobs to go despite rescue deal

Greater than 1,000 TGI Fridays’ UK employees will probably be made redundant regardless of a rescue deal from the house owners of restaurant group D&D London.

They’ve purchased the UK operator of the American-themed chain, after its proprietor fell into administration final month.

The deal will save practically 2,400 jobs at 51 eating places, however the directors, Teneo, mentioned 35 branches have closed.

TGI Fridays UK mentioned it was working with landlords on a deal to avoid wasting the closed eating places.

“We’re doing all the pieces potential to retain our group and help these impacted,” mentioned chief govt Julie McEwan.

She added she was “devastated for our colleagues who will probably be leaving TGIs and thank them for his or her loyalty and contribution throughout their time with us”.

The consumers, Breal Capital and Calveton UK, already personal restaurant chains Byron Burgers and Vinoteca in addition to restaurant group D&D London.

A spokesperson for the brand new house owners mentioned it wished to “each modernise the enterprise and capitalise on the heritage of this iconic model”.

They added that the deal “preserves a major proportion of jobs and can hopefully present the enterprise with the steadiness and help it must get better and develop”.

Nevertheless, Unite lead organiser for hospitality Bryan Simpson known as the therapy of TGI Fridays’ UK employees “a nationwide shame”.

The union claimed that employees had been locked out of their workplaces when a few of the websites closed.

It has additionally mentioned that its members are unsure whether or not or not they may obtain wages, vacation pay or suggestions earned.

The corporate declined to remark when requested about these allegations by the BBC.

The eating places being closed are Barnsley, Birmingham Hagley Highway, Bracknell, Brighton Marina, Bristol Cabot Circus, Cardiff Newport Highway, Chelmsford, Cheltenham, Croydon, Derby, Dundee, Durham, Edinburgh Fort Kinnaird, Enfield, Gateshead, Gloucester Quays, Halifax, Jersey, Leeds, Leeds Trinity, Leicester, Lincoln, Manchester Royal Trade, Newcastle Eldon Sq., Newport, Northampton, Prestwich, Romford, Sale, Solihull, Southampton West Quay South, Speke, Sutton Coldfield, Swansea, and Watford North.

Breal and Calveton secured the deal on Monday after TGI Fridays’ UK proprietor Hostmore fell into administration as a result of debt.

Retail specialists have blamed the collapse of TGI Fridays’ UK enterprise on a failure to adapt its American-inspired, meat-heavy menu to altering shopper tastes for more healthy choices.

“With some funding and extra importantly enthusiasm, the model can actually join with diners once more,” mentioned analyst Catherine Shuttleworth.

She added it was notable the brand new house owners had chosen to maintain areas in purchasing centres and retail parks “the place youthful diners and households select to spend their cash”.

TGI Fridays opened its first restaurant in New York in 1965 and its first UK restaurant on Hagley Highway in Birmingham 20 years later.