Staff working for popular coffee shop chain Caffe Nero, have been left disappointed after the company announced it was no longer giving employees a free lunch when they were on shift.
The move has come as part of a pay review across the company, brought in following the introduction of the new National Living Wage of £7.20 per hour for over 25s.
The food allowance gave staff a free panini while they were working. Although the free lunch has been withdrawn, most of the staff will still get paid break times and will receive a considerable discount on drink and food purchased during their shift. They can also have unlimited free drinks while working.
There have been reports that other similar businesses have also had their meal allowances reduced recently.
A Caffe Nero spokesperson said: “The introduction of a new National Living Wage is a huge potential cost to the business, but also a great opportunity to review pay, and reward employees for their investment in Caffe Nero”.
All staff, whatever their age, will see their wages increase to at least the same level as the National Living Wage if they are currently earning below it. Staff paid more than the new National Living Wage have all been subject to a pay review and most will be benefiting from a pay rise.
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