Unite the union has today (15 June) welcomed the decision by The Ivy on the Square restaurant based in Edinburgh to close following a Covid outbreak among staff.

It was widely reported yesterday (14 June) that several members of staff tested positive for Covid and members of staff were self-isolating. Restaurant workers from the Glasgow restaurant were reportedly drafted in to cover the absences. Unite can now reveal that 26 members of staff have now tested positive.

Following pressure from Unite, which represents many of the restaurant workers, a decision has been taken to temporarily close the restaurant for a deep clean and to protect staff. Unite has also stated that The Ivy must pay in full those workers forced to self-isolate and those unable to work due to the closure rather than having to take annual leave.

Carrie Binnie, Unite industrial officer, said: "Unite made representations to The Ivy chain headquartered in London to temporarily close down the Edinburgh restaurant following the serious concerns raised by members of staff after the Covid outbreak. We are pleased that these concerns on health and safety grounds have been accepted.

"The Ivy will be temporarily closed in order to conduct a deep clean and to protect staff after 26 workers tested positive for Covid. The Ivy must respect its workforce and not penalise them through no fault of their own by making them take annual leave or not paying their wages in full. If they do, then Unite will explore all legal avenues open to us in order to vigorously represent our members."

ENDS

Note to editors:

  • Unite Scotland is the country’s biggest and most diverse trade union with around 150,000 members. The union is led in Scotland by Pat Rafferty.