Ambridge Socialist
20th April
Stirling makes illegal P&O style sackings at Grey Gables. Workers must occupy to save jobs
The owner of Grey Gables Oliver Sterling has claimed that the explosion at the hotel in early 2020 and the impact of COVID has meant that he has had to take the decision to shut Grey Gables and sell it to a company fronted up by Mr Shah who has recently been staying at the hotel.
Grey Gables will not be sold as a going concern but will now close for at least 12 months and be relaunched as a new upmarket venue and eaterie for Borsetshire.
The Ambridge Socialist now understands from reliable sources that Grey Gables has more than 20 staff but Stirling has clearly made no attempt to consult with them or trade unions and has not provided for a statutory 30 day consultation period or filed the appropriate HR1 form detailing the redundancies with the Government.
This is exactly the same behaviour as the rogue employer P&O used recently. It is illegal and Grey Gables workers will have a case for unfair dismissal.
‘Generous’ redundancy payments were mentioned but it’s not clear whether, as with P&O, this will extend beyond the current statutory maximum capped at £17,130 for 20 or more years service.
Given that Sterling plans to close Grey Gables by early May and make people redundant the workers now have no choice but to occupy the building to stop closure. Their demands will no doubt need to be democratically discussed and agreed amongst the workforce and with Unite, where they are members.
Some possible demands:
Follow the law and consult with staff and unions on the reasons for closure and alternatives to it
Keep existing staff on while the hotel is refurbished, ready for the re-launch
For those who prefer to leave, offer enhanced redundancy payments from day one of employment (statutory starts at two years) with higher payments for those with limited service and a lift on the cap at 20 years service
Ambridge Socialist Editor Keith Flett said, Oliver Stirling cannot be allowed to get away with tossing long serving and loyal employees on the scrapheap at short notice and breaking the law in doing so. We think Grey Gables workers should occupy the hotel and seek a way forward that is acceptable to them.
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