Edwardian Hotels London workers protest furlough holidays

Last week Edwardian Hotels London workers and GMB union protested outside the group’s May Fair hotel, claiming staff were forced to reduce their hours by 50% and to take holidays during furlough.

GMB, the union for hotel and catering workers, said it had been told by hotel workers while under furlough their employer told them they must take their accrued holidays by the end of October when the scheme was originally due to end. It also said staff have also been told to accept a new contract with a 50% reduction in hours or face dismissal.

The protest took place on 29 October and GMB said it will protest again on Thursday until Edwardian ‘comes to the table’.

GMB organiser Michael Dooley said: “The GMB are angry and we have a right to be, low paid staff are being told to accept 50% reductions on hours or they will be dismissed and using taxpayer's money to offset holiday pay to their staff. These shenanigans and unreasonable attitude will be responded to in kind.”

Edwardian Hotels London has been contacted for comment.