Wagamama apologises over Christmas sick leave threat

[dutchman]

Unite says apparent threat of disciplinary action for calling in sick is ‘a shocking example’ but quite normal across industry



The restaurant chain Wagamama has apologised after workers at a branch in London were threatened with disciplinary action if they called in sick.

A staff notice appended to a rota for the Christmas period told workers that “calling in sick during the next two weeks will result in disciplinary action being taken”, according to a copy sent to the Unite trade union.

Unite said one of its members had sent it the document, and while “it may be a shocking example … it’s sadly quite normal across the industry – particularly at this time of year”.

The note read: “No calling in sick! May I remind you that if you are unable to come for your shift it is your responsibility to find somebody to cover your shift (as per contract and handbook). Calling in sick during the next two weeks will result in disciplinary action being taken.”

In a Facebook post, Unite’s hospitality division said: “This is why we need to come together in a union to stop such exploitation. Fair Hospitality [a Unite campaign] was created for that very purpose. Get involved and let’s transform the sector, together.”

Before the chain apologised, circulation of the note sparked a #boycottwagamama campaign on social media as people expressed anger at the threat to workers and voiced concern that the approach could put customers’ health at risk by forcing unwell kitchen and restaurant workers to undertake shifts when they are carrying contagious illnesses.

Wagamama employs 4,800 people and has 166 branches in the UK, most of which are operated directly but some of which have franchise agreements. Last year, the company made a £34m profit.