The covid-19 pandemic has stopped the economic wheel of many countries. One of the most pandemic-affected industries in Scotland is the hospitality industry. For now, the pandemic has caused the hospitality industry to shut down, but there are debates about what it could mean for the future of the industry staff in Scotland.
We have seen how Colyumbridge Hotel in Aviemore has unfairly ordered their employees to dismiss and immediately leave the accommodation. After facing the backlash, the hotel management apologized and claimed it was an administrative error. Initially, Leisure Chain G1 also had similar plans, but they halted their plans to remove staff after coming under fire.
Industry experts and economists have warned that almost 250,000 tourism and hospitality jobs are at risk.
RIGHTS OF A HOSPITALITY WORKER DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
According to employment law contracts, they may only get paid if a person can do the job. However, this isn’t a situation where workers are refusing to work. The covid-19 pandemic situation is unique for both employers and employees. In this situation, employers must act professionally toward the employees.
The Government of Scotland is aware that the covid-19 pandemic has the potential to disturb the country’s economic system. For this, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunka, recently announced that the Government would cover 80% of employees’ salaries. The maximum amount will be up to £2,500. Also, for those who are self-employe, support is available for them too.
If your employer has unfairly dismissed you during covid-19 pandemic, you have the right to make a work dismissal claim. Also, if the employer has behaved unprofessionally or injured you out of frustration, you can hire a personal injury solicitor in Glasgow and claim compensation.
If your company has 20 or more employees and closes without consultation, then each employee might be eligible for additional compensation as a protective award.
As the Government supports businesses and industries during the pandemic, employers have no solid reason to dismiss their employees. Unfortunately, employers don’t always act professionally or reasonably.
If you have faced an unfair dismissal during the pandemic, you might be eligible to claim in the Employment Tribunal.
UNFAIR DISMISSAL OF AN EMPLOYEE WHO HAD MORE THAN TWO YEARS OF SERVICE
If you have more than two years of service and were dismisse unfairly by your employer, you may be eligible to claim in the Employment Tribunal.
The Employment Tribunal is an agency that pays employees for the loss of earnings. The pay spans from the day the employee loses the job to when a new job is found.
UNFAIR DISMISSAL OF AN EMPLOYEE WHO HAD LESS THAN TWO YEARS OF SERVICE
If you are had service of fewer than two years before unfair dismissal, then you are entitle to make a claim for unlawful deduction of wages for any outstanding sums. This amount should have been paid to you on the day of your dismissal. This also includes notice pay, holiday pay, overtime pay, and any other due wages.
However, if only notice pay is due, then you can claim for wrongful dismissal. The claim will allow the Employment Tribunal in Scotland to direct the employer to pay you notice pay.
PROTECTIVE AWARD COMPENSATION
The employment Tribunal awards a compensation type known as a protective award. This compensation offers up to 13 weeks of pay. The price is based on weekly earnings and includes other payments.
In some cases, for example, you have gone into administration. Now the Government’s Insolvency Service will pay you for up to 8 weeks, which can be up to £2,500 per week.
SUMMING UP
Although the Government is here to support the dismissed employees, it is still unethical to unfairly dismiss the hospitality worker and other employees. The employer should not use the pandemic as an opportunity to reduce the workforce. If an employer jumps the gun to remove the crew during lockdowns, the Employment Tribunal may act strictly.