'Grim news' for hospitality

The announcement that the pub chain Marston’s is to axe more than 2,000 jobs has led Unite to renew its call for the government to give concrete support for the struggling hospitality sector.

Unite, which has about 580 members at Marston’s, mainly working in the breweries at Wolverhampton and Burton upon Trent, was yesterday (Thursday 15 October) seeking clarification of the impact on its members.

Marston’s said new measures, such as the 10 pm curfew and restrictions in Liverpool, meant 2,150 roles are going to be impacted. The company produces such brands as Pedigree.

“This grim news from Marston’s is another nail in the coffin of the struggling hospitality industry and today Unite renews its call for the government to produce a concrete and coherent package of measures to support the sector which is now on life support,” commented Unite regional officer Rick Coyle.

“Thousands of jobs across the UK are depending on such a package being delivered urgently by chancellor Rishi Sunak, otherwise the UK’s hospitality sector will become a waste land.

“Unite’s members at Marston’s are mainly based at the breweries in Wolverhampton and Burton upon Trent and we are seeking urgent clarification from management on what the announcement means for our members producing such iconic brands as Pedigree.

“Unite will be giving maximum support to our members at Marston’s at what is a desperately worrying time for them and their families with Christmas on the horizon,” he added.

By Shaun Noble