Government urges JD Wetherspoon to support employees

The government has urged JD Wetherspoon founder Tim Martin to support his employees after reports he claimed they would face delays in payment and “should consider getting a job at Tesco instead”.

Martin said the company would not cover wages from this week and employees would have to wait to be paid through the government’s new coronavirus retention scheme.

On the same day (25 March), the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy committee wrote to Tim Martin, asking him to set out measures in which the company will support workers during the coronavirus outbreak. 

 Rachel Reeves, chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy committee, said: “At times of national crisis, it’s vital that businesses step up, do the right thing and stand by their workers and their customers.” 

She added: “When many businesses are undertaking great work to support the national effort, it’s crucial that companies such as JD Wetherspoons and Sports Direct do all they can ensure their workers are properly protected and get the pay to which they are entitled.”