Pizza Hut workers in Scotland have raised serious allegations against the Glenshire Group, the franchisee operating all 22 Pizza Hut delivery outlets in the region. Employees claim that the company has unlawfully altered timesheets, docked wages, and eliminated delivery payments without prior consultation.
Key Takeaways
- Workers accuse Glenshire Group of changing pay structures without notice.
- Delivery drivers report losing essential delivery commissions, impacting their earnings.
- The Unite union has filed a grievance against the franchisee on behalf of the affected workers.
- Glenshire Group defends its practices, stating changes were necessary for business sustainability.
Allegations of Unlawful Practices
Delivery driver Cian, who has worked for Glenshire for over two years, expressed his concerns about the company’s treatment of staff. He stated that the changes to his pay structure were communicated via text message, with no prior discussion or consultation. Previously, he received a base pay of the National Living Wage plus a £1.45 commission per delivery, which he relied on to cover fuel and vehicle expenses.
However, Cian reported that he and other drivers were informed that their pay would increase to £12.21 per hour, but they would no longer receive the delivery commission. This change has left many drivers struggling to afford the costs associated with their jobs, leading to a significant number of resignations.
Union Response and Concerns
The Unite union, representing the workers, has accused Glenshire of a cynical attempt to offload over 100 drivers ahead of upcoming increases in National Insurance Contributions and the National Minimum Wage. Bryan Simpson, Unite’s head of hospitality, described the situation as one of the most blatant violations of workers’ rights he has encountered in over a decade.
Simpson highlighted that the removal of delivery commissions could push drivers’ earnings below the minimum wage, resulting in substantial financial losses for them. He labelled the situation as a form of "fire and rehire" under a different guise.
Accusations of Fraudulent Practices
In addition to the wage docking allegations, the grievance filed by Unite claims that Glenshire has acted fraudulently by retroactively altering timesheets to include unpaid breaks. A message from a Glenshire director instructed managers to delete previous timesheets and add unpaid breaks, which Unite argues constitutes unlawful wage deductions.
Company’s Defence
In response to the allegations, Glenshire Group stated that the remuneration model has shifted from a per-delivery payment to a per-mile basis, asserting that driver commissions have not been reduced. The company maintains that it is committed to robust employment practices and is open to addressing employee concerns.
Call for Investigation
Employment lawyer Joanne Moseley warned that Glenshire could face legal repercussions if it fails to reimburse drivers for expenses incurred during their employment, such as fuel costs. She indicated that the company might be in breach of minimum wage regulations once the new National Living Wage is implemented.
A manager, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration over the lack of breaks and the unfairness of being charged for breaks that are not taken. He called on Pizza Hut’s corporate leadership to investigate the practices of the Glenshire franchise, urging them to consider the impact on their brand and employees.
Conclusion
As the situation unfolds, the allegations against Glenshire Group highlight significant concerns regarding worker rights and fair pay within the franchise. With the Unite union actively pursuing the grievance and calls for corporate oversight, the outcome of this dispute could have broader implications for employment practices in the fast-food industry.
