Workers from a hotel which shut suddenly say they have been left jobless and without pay in the run-up to Christmas.

Whately Hall Hotel in Banbury has reportedly agreed a private Government contract which means bookings for Christmas parties and events were cancelled overnight.

Some workers staged a protest outside the hotel, which has been rebranded, claiming they had not been paid or received redundancy money.

Head chef Jordan Blencowe who worked at the hotel for 12 years said on Facebook "on Friday 25th November, exactly one month before Christmas, I was told I no longer have a job".

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He added: "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."

He alleged the owner of the hotel has refused to pay staff wages and redundancy pay.

"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," he wrote.

"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."

Mr Blencowe, who said he is receiving support from the GMB union, received over 600 comments to his comment.

Many suggested the hotel in Banbury Cross had closed to provide accommodation to asylum seekers.

Although the hotel operates under the Mercure brand the hotel owner, Countrywide, is responsible for managing the hotel and employing staff.

A spokesperson for Countrywide Hotels said: "A decision has been made for the viability of the hotel to work with the Home office on a contract for private use.

"A small proportion of the hotel team have taken redundancy, some voluntarily to suit their own position. All staff have been paid their wages.

"The management has been in continued communication with the staff to assist."

The Home Office has been contacted for comment.

 

 

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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

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