The BBC reports that Costa Coffee workers have made numerous claims alleging poor working conditions across 29 franchise stores.
The BBC has spoken to 26 employees of Costa Coffee franchise stores managed by Goldex Essex Investments Ltd and Bristal Investments Ltd. Complaints include managers’ alleged refusal to pay for sickness or annual leave, working outside of contracted hours and the retention of tips.
A Costa Coffee spokeswoman said an independent audit has been launched. “Given the serious nature of the allegations, we have today informed all of our Individual Franchise Partners that we will be launching an independent audit into the legal and ethical compliance of their operations, including employment matters,” she said on Thursday.
The latest allegations surfaced after the BBC reported that staff at Costa stores, managed by Kafeel Khan’s Goldex Essex Investments Ltd, were being charged a minimum of £200 for their own training. A previous complaint against the Costa franchise partner by ex-employee Daniel Gyori, for withholding wages, was upheld in court in the claimant’s favour.
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