Workers at Pizza Hut outlets across Scotland are set to protest today against what they allege are unlawful practices by Glenshire Brands, the franchisee responsible for over 23 takeaway outlets in the region. Claims of wage theft, denial of breaks, and deteriorating working conditions have been brought to the forefront by Unite the union, which represents the interests of these workers.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham has expressed deep concern over the treatment of employees since Glenshire Brands took over the franchise in 2022, describing it as a "systematic attack" on the pay and conditions of around 200 staff. "The behaviour of Glenshire Brands across Pizza Hut outlets in Scotland is deplorable and reprehensible. The company has launched a full-on assault on workers' pay and conditions which will have a serious impact on our members' take-home pay," she stated.
One of the primary grievances involves the removal of a commission that delivery drivers have received for more than 15 years, amounting to £1.45 per delivery. This change came with little warning and was communicated via text message, prompting accusations that Glenshire Brands acted without proper consultation. Drivers, like Cian, an employee who has been with the company for over two years, have reported that they not only lost this vital bonus but were also told their pay would increase to £12.21 an hour. However, he noted that this increase did not compensate for the loss of commissions, and many drivers have since left their positions. "I've been living paycheque to paycheque, and now multiple drivers have quit because they simply can't afford to do this job if they're having to pay for their own fuel," he added.
Moreover, workers across all 23 stores have raised significant concerns about changes to leave requests. Under a new policy implemented by Glenshire, employees must submit vacation requests four weeks in advance with no allowance for carry-over of unused holidays beyond March 31, 2025. This new restriction has sparked anger, as many workers feel disbarred from taking any remaining accrued leave. Unite claims that workers have had their on-shift meal and staff discounts removed and that the company has retroactively docked pay for breaks employees did not take.
In light of these allegations, Unite has taken substantial action by filing collective grievances concerning the denied commissions and concerning irregularities with leave, breaks, and health and safety issues. Bryan Simpson, Unite's lead organiser for hospitality, characterized Glenshire's approach as a morally reprehensible attempt to undermine low-wage workers. "This is a cynical attempt to demolish pay and conditions for some of the lowest-paid workers in the economy—to cut labour costs and lurch towards bogus self-employment," he stated. Simpson warned that this could set a dangerous precedent for workers' rights across the industry.
In response to these claims, Glenshire Brands has categorically denied making any changes to fundamental employment terms since taking over the franchises. The company has stated that the change in drivers' compensation from a "per delivery" to a "per mile" basis was designed to better account for fuel and insurance expenses. A representative noted, "We received the two collective grievances on March 23, which will be thoroughly investigated in line with our grievance process. Glenshire is committed to robust employment practices, including honoring all annual leave and break entitlements for our nearly 800 colleagues.”
As the situation unfolds, Pizza Hut UK's corporate office has stated its commitment to ensuring safe and fair working conditions across its franchises. While acknowledging that Glenshire operates independently, a spokesperson emphasized that they take these allegations seriously and will continue to investigate the claims brought forth by the union.
The protest organized by Unite will take place at Pizza Hut in Leith at 1 PM today, March 25, 2025. Workers hope that their collective voice will prompt necessary changes in practices they argue violate their rights. This tense situation reflects broader concerns over labor practices within the fast-food industry, illuminating challenges faced by workers in securing fair wages and adequate working conditions amidst growing corporate pressures.
