Edinburgh St Andrew's Square restaurant The Ivy has closed its doors following a huge outbreak of Covid among staff.
Unite The Union shared the news with Edinburgh Live this morning after it was widely reported that several members of staff tested positive for Covid and members of staff were self-isolating.
According to Unite, following pressure from the union, who represent many of the restaurant workers, a decision has now been taken to temporarily close the city centre restaurant for a deep clean and to protect staff.
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Unite has also stated that The Ivy must pay in full those workers forced to self-isolate and those unable to work due to the closure rather than having to take annual leave.
Carrie Binnie, Unite industrial officer, said: "Unite made representations to The Ivy chain headquartered in London to temporarily close down the Edinburgh restaurant following the serious concerns raised by members of staff after the Covid outbreak. We are pleased that these concerns on health and safety grounds have been accepted.
"The Ivy will be temporarily closed in order to conduct a deep clean and to protect staff after 26 workers have tested positive for Covid. The Ivy must respect its workforce and not penalise them through no fault of their own by making them take annual leave or not paying their wages in full. If they do, then Unite will explore all legal avenues open to us in order to vigorously represent our members."
Edinburgh Live have contacted The Ivy for comment.
