It was reported yesterday (23 June) that the Dundeed-based group, which operated bar brands including Abandon Ship, the Luchador, the Draffens and the Bird and Bear, had fallen into liquidation with all of the company’s 63 staff having been made redundant.
However, trade unions have since confirmed that the 63 staff who were working for MacMerry300 will be re-employed by Belford Ltd, which is set to take over ownership of the group's estate and is led by AJ McMenemy, who cofounded MacMerry300 with Phil Donaldson in 2010.
Speaking to The National, Unite Hospitality’s Bryan Simpson 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 Belfort Ltd who will be taking over ownership of these bars.
“Our members have since received engagement letters to that effect from Belford director AJ McMenemy.”
Earlier this year, MacMerry300 was accused of “systemic mistreatment” of its staff, in a collective grievance signed by both current and former employees.
Unite compiled a seven-page complaint released in January 2022 that included allegations that the company neglected to inform staff about potential close contacts with those testing positive for Covid-19; and that staff awaiting PCR test results were expected or felt pressured to come to work until their results were official.
At the time, a spokesperson for MacMerry300 described the list of complaints as 'frankly bewildering'.
“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,” Simpson added.
TUPE regulations ensure the protection of workers’ rights when they are transferred to a new employer.