Wetherspoons workers stage protest and demand higher wages

About 200 employees were joined by members of the Green Party and trades unionist for a protest near the Clock Tower.

Also among the crowd was Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion.

She said: “I’m delighted to be here standing with workers who have come together to put an end to the poor wages and working conditions that they are being put through.

“I have been speaking to youngsters that have had to sofa surf and camp because their wages don’t match the cost of living.

“The recent figures showing Wetherspoons’ profit of £60 million in the last year just goes to show that private profits are being made off the backs of workers.

“This is appalling and shameful behaviour in a nation that is capable of supporting its people.

“They are treated like they are expendable so we are all standing here together to put an end to this inequality.”

Matt Traini-Cobb, Green Party member said: “Looking at the Government’s idea of what a living wage is, it never transfers into something that we can relate to.

“People are having to choose between getting a haircut and food, really basic things.”

Lloyd Russell-Moyle, MP  for Brighton Kemptown, stood with strikers when they held a mass walk-out. 

He said: “I stood with these workers last night and I found it moving that young people are willing to stand up for decent pay, union recognition and an end to age discrimination.

"I feel proud that the first strike is in Brighton and that the workers here are fighting for better rights for all those involved.”

Chris Heppel, 29, who has been working at The Post and Telegraph branch in North Street for some four years said: “I am just sick and tired of trying to get by. We know we can win better jobs, not just for us, but for everyone with us today.”

Tim Martin, Wetherspoons chairman, said that the company intended to increase pay “in real terms” and “subject to economic conditions”.

He said: “I don’t think it would benefit employees overall if, as some suggest, Wetherspoon ended bonuses, free shares and other benefits and increased the basic rate of pay.

“It’s easy to be cynical about business, but companies like McDonald’s, TGI Fridays and thousands of other individuals and businesses make a big contribution to the economy, and provide valuable work and experience for many people.”

Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, convenor of the Green Group of councillors in the city, said: “It is completely unacceptable that so many people in our city have wages that barely cover the cost of living.

“Bar and hospitality work is notoriously precarious, often beset with zero hours contracts, unpredictable hours and a fluctuating salary, leaving too many people on the brink of poverty, making ends meet from pay cheque to pay cheque.”