SCOTTISH pub firm MacMerry 300 has entered liquidation which has resulted in the immediate loss of 63 jobs.
MacMerry runs the Abandon Ship bars in Glasgow, Dundee and London as well as the Bird and Bear, Draffens and Nola which are also in Dundee.
The company operates more than a dozen bars across those cities and London and is the subject of a winding-up petition that was filed at the Dundee Sheriff Court on May 27.
The UK Government’s official journal of record, The Gazette, noted that HMRC requests MacMerry 300 LTD “be wound up by the court” and that a liquidator be appointed.
A HMRC spokesperson said: “We support customers with tax debts and work with them to find the best solution based on their financial circumstances.”
The company is run by bartender AJ McMenemy and businessman Phil Donaldson.
However, trade unions have confirmed that the 63 staff who were working for MacMerry will be re-employed by Belfort Ltd.
Speaking to The National, Unite Hospitality’s Bryan Simpson said: “Following discussions between Unite and Mr Donaldson, we have been assured that all of these workers are to be re-engaged to work for Belfort Ltd who will be taking over ownership of these bars.
“Our members have since received engagement letters to that effect from Belford Director AJ McMenemy.”
MacMerry 300 has previously come under fire after staff from 13 of its bars accused bosses of “systemic mistreatment” during the pandemic and of “neglecting” to inform them about positive Covid cases in their venues.
There were also a number of allegations made which related to pay, contracts, hours worked and breaks, suggesting staff had not been given sick or holiday pay, and on some occasions not paid on time.
At the time, MacMerry 300 said they were unaware of the allegations up until they were posted on social media.
🚨 BREAKING 🚨 70% of all workers across 13 bars in Glasgow & Dundee including The Luchador, Bird & Bear, Draffens, The Bull, Fly South and Franks have submitted a shocking collective grievance outlining systemic mistreatment to the owners of MacMerry 300 & Abandon Ship Ltd. pic.twitter.com/xieyQrM2Wq
— Unite Hospitality (@FairHospitality) January 7, 2022
Simpson added: “We hope that Mr Donaldson and Mr McMenemy will continue to communicate with our members in a positive way and ensure that the terms and conditions of all workers will be protected in accordance with their legal obligations under the TUPE regulations.”
TUPE regulations ensure the protection of workers’ rights when they are transferred to a new employer.
