Massive GMB win for workers': Tomahawk repays loans taken from low paid staff

Let’s hope this abuse of the furlough scheme is over and not repeated elsewhere

Let’s hope this abuse of the furlough scheme is over and not repeated elsewhere, says GMB Union

Tomahawk restaurants has begun repaying the low-paid, furloughed workers it borrowed money from in a ‘massive win for workers’.

The steakhouse chain had ‘bullied’ staff into lending them the money to pay employers National Insurance and pension contributions out of their pay packets.

Tomahawk's U-turn is a massive win for workers. Let’s hope this abuse of the furlough scheme is over and not repeated elsewhere.

Neil Derrick, GMB Regional Secretary

Following sustained pressure from GMB, politicians and the general public, staff have now been sent a message from the company saying the money that had been deducted was now being returned to their bank account.

Neil Derrick, GMB Regional Secretary, said:

“This was always an outrageous exploitation of both the furlough scheme and low paid, young workers.

“The cash should never have been taken in the first place as no employee can afford a further reduction in their take home pay - especially when it’s to cover their employer’s own obligations.

“Tomahawk’s behaviour was rightly condemned across the board. Their U-turn is a massive win for workers.

“Let’s hope this abuse of the furlough scheme is over and not repeated elsewhere.”