Peaceful protest over job losses at Banbury hotel

A peaceful protest has been held today (Thursday) outside a Banbury hotel.

The Whately Hall Hotel has been rebranded after taking on a private Government contract, which has led to numerous Christmas parties and engagements being cancelled overnight.

And it has also left to job losses - which is what the protest is centred on.

Many said they have been laid off without any redundancy payment or even their latest monthly wage.

The Banbury Guardian has spoken to protesters at the scene, who are playing music and raising awareness of the situation.

Head chef Jordan Blencowe has worked at the hotel for 12 years. He said: "The previous day I was assured by the general manager that no one in my team would be losing their jobs and after preparing the kitchen in time for their arrival was told we are all being made redundant.

"For the past four days we were assured and promised that we will be paid for the month in which we worked and with no notice I was informed last night this would no longer be the case for myself and a small amount of other colleagues.

"There was no consideration or care for how families were going to pay their mortgages, rents, food or bills. We were assured that we would receive our wages for the month of November and with no warning was told no more money will be paid out."

The Banbury Guardian has tried to contact the hotel but could not get through.

UPDATE: The hotel has since contacted the paper to say that wages had now been paid and redundancy payments were being discussed with employees.

We will be reporting more on this issue over the next few days.

In an open letter sent to the Banbury Guardian, sent to all former employees of the Whately Hall Hotel, the New Foscote Hospital said it is appalled to hear about the situation - and has jobs available.

Hannah Tucker, director of finance and operations, said: "The New Foscote Hospital is appalled to hear of your adverse experience and we stand with the Banbury community in wanting to help you.

"We are actively recruiting across a number of roles and we encourage you to please send your CV’s to [email protected] – we are in a position to accommodate immediately with start dates before Christmas.

“We have open vacancies in housekeeping, facilities, concierge, reception, and bookings, but we are keen to hear from any of you as there are many transferable skills between hotels and private hospitals.

“I wish you all the best and look forwards to hearing from you.”