There was no warning of potential layoffs or consultation with TGI Fridays’ employers. (Ellis John via Getty Images)
Part of the TGI Fridays restaurant chain will be acquired by private equity firms Calveton and Breal Capital, preserving 51 of the chain’s 87 restaurants. However, despite the sale, it is estimated that more than 1,000 layoffs will occur.
Teneo’s joint administrators said restaurants not included in the sale would close immediately, resulting in the loss of 1,012 jobs.
The sale came as a shock to some of the businesses facing closure. A report released today by hospitality trade union Unite Hospitality said locks were changed and staff were locked out of the site. Meanwhile, there was no warning of possible job cuts or consultation with employees employed by the chain.
Unite tweeted that its employees were “invited to a Zoom call at headquarters with an hour’s notice. Many members have not even received an invitation.”
๐จBreaking news๐จ
Immediate closure @TGIFriday All over the UK.
Members have been furiously contacting us all morning after receiving the following news:
๐คฏStaff were prohibited from entering the site and the padlocks were replaced.
๐ก There are no notifications or consultations regarding layoffs.
๐ค A worker has been invited to be in chargeโฆ
โ Unite Hospitality (@FairHospitality) October 7, 2024
Julie McEwan, the company’s UK chief executive, said: “Today’s news signals the beginning of a positive future for our business after a very difficult period for the casual dining industry as a whole. We look to the future with confidence that the TGI Fridays brand will be firmly supported.” It will continue to attract loyal guests and new guests alike.
“We are shocked by our colleagues who are leaving TGI and are grateful for their loyalty and contribution during their time with us. We will retain our team and support those affected. “We are doing everything possible to do so,” she added.
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Here is a complete list of restaurants that will remain open:
blue water
Trafford Center
meadow hall
Aberdeen Union Square
metro center
Basildon
glasgow fortress
milton keynes stadium
bra head
wembley
birmingham nec
glasgow
Junction 27
castleford
lakeside key
tee side
bolton
norwich
st davids
doncaster
Lakeside
Fareham
liverpool one
stevenage
white rose
cribs causeway
rushden lakes
stoke on trent
southampton
silver burn
watford central
Aberdeen Beach
brain tree
bournemouth
stratford
high wycombe
cheshire oaks
wall sole
Milton Keynes
sheffield
nottingham
edinburgh
coventry
ashton under rhyne
telford
O2
stains
crowley
read
Cheadle
leicester square
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