Pret workers short-changed as ‘payroll error’ delays jubilee wages

theguardian.com:

Pret a Manger workers are being left short-changed for the jubilee bank holiday after the coffee shop chain said it was delaying their pay until Monday.

A spokesperson for the chain said: “Unfortunately, due to a payroll error, our team members will receive their weekly pay on Monday rather than Thursday this week.

“We’re incredibly sorry this has happened and we’ve offered financial support to any team member who needs it at this time.”

Pret said it would reimburse workers for any costs that might arise from the late payment, promising that “no one will be out of pocket as a result of this issue”.

The company told staff that if they were in need they could contact a helpline to get an advance paid directly into their bank account instantly or apply for salary finance on up to half their pay online on Saturday at the earliest. The online service involves a fee of £1.49 but Pret has pledged to cover that.

Ian Hodson, president of the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union, said the late payment was “appalling” and an “irresponsible decision”.

“Whilst Pret suggest this is an IT error there is absolutely no excuse for workers most who live from one payday to the next to be left without any wages.

“Is it coincidental that whilst these workers will see footfall increase massively over the next few days their bosses will be enjoying the bank holiday weekend, not having to worry about buying food or paying rent which will unfortunately not be the same for those whose labour is required to maintain the cosy lifestyle of their employers?”

The error comes after a tricky year for its workers, who have won two pay rises in recent months after threatening to go on strike when Pret said it planned to end pay for break times. That change would