Jobs at collapsed bar chain saved under new owner, union says

Staff jobs at a collapsed Scottish bar group have reportedly been saved following a last-minute deal.

MacMerry300, which ran 11 bars in Glasgow and Dundee, entered liquidation on Tuesday with the apparent loss of 63 jobs.

But trade union Unite Hospitality said it had been assured all staff roles were safe and would be re-employed by Belford Ltd, which will be taking over ownership of the bars.

It is understood that most of the assets of MacMerry300 were transferred to Belford Ltd in May prior to the appointment of liquidators.

AJ Mcmenemy, a former business partner of MacMerry300 founder Phil Donaldson, is a director at Belford Ltd and sent a letter of engagement to staff this week.

Liquidators Interpath Advisory said they would carry out “appropriate investigations” into the recent transfer of company assets.

A spokesperson for Unite Hospitality said: “Following discussions between Unite and Mr Donaldson, we have been assured that all of these workers are to be re-engaged to work for Belford Ltd. who will be taking over ownership of these bars.

“We hope that Mr Donaldson and Mr Mcmenemy will continue to communicate with our members in a positive way and ensure that the terms and conditions of all workers will be protected in accordance with their legal obligations under the TUPE Regulations."

In January, 71 current and former staff accused MacMerry300 of multiple failings including allegations of a lax attitude to Covid-19 safety and a failure to pay staff on time.

MacMerry300 initially described the claims as "bewildering" but later said it would launch a full investigation.