Latest news with #stafflayoffs
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
BrewDog to close TEN bars as staff given ‘three days' notice'
BREWDOG is set to shut ten bars across the UK - and it's claimed staff have been given just three days' notice. Union officials have blasted bosses at the Scottish pub chain on social media following claims staff are set to be axed at several locations. 2 2 Staff were told today that several flagship stores across the country would be closing for good - starting as early as this Friday. Unite Union claims that workers impacted have only been given three days' notice before losing their jobs. The locations of the affected bars include two in Scotland and eight in England. Among those are some of the venues that are "woven into the history" of the firm, including Aberdeen, which was BrewDog's first ever bar, and Camden, their first bar in London. The full list includes: Aberdeen Flagship (Gallowgate) Brighton Camden Dundee Leeds North Street Oxford Sheffield Shepherds Bush Shoreditch York Details on the number of potential jobs that could be lost as a result of the closures are unknown at this stage. However, bosses at BrewDog have said they are undergoing an appropriate consultation process with all affected staff which will last a minimum of two weeks. They added that there will be one-to-one meetings with every member of staff who is at risk of redundancy. But they confirmed that "every effort will be made to made to redeploy as many members of staff as possible." Unite Hospitality shared the news with a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. It read: "Brew Dog have announced that they are closing 10 flagship bars from Aberdeen to Camden, as soon as THIS FRIDAY! "In what universe is THREE DAYS a morally (or legally) acceptable notice period for a proper redundancy consultation for the workers impacted?!" A statement from CEO James Taylor was posted on the shareholders' forum announcing that closures come as part of a "strategic review". He explained that the firm has "faced continued challenges" in the UK, including "rising costs, increased regulation, and economic pressures", which have resulted in the closures. He said: "Despite our best efforts, it has simply not been possible to find a formula to make these bars viable due to their size, location and other limiting factors." Taylor added: "Keeping them open would put pressure on the wider business, making it harder to invest where we know we can grow. "This decision is not simply a response to the challenging UK hospitality market but a proactive decision to redefine the bar division's focus. "This is not a decision we've taken lightly. But as we evolve BrewDog into a more focused and sustainable business, we've had to be honest about where we are - and where we're heading". In an internal note shared amongst staff, Taylor said: "To everyone who worked in these bars, and every customer who supported them - thank you. These bars helped make BrewDog what it is today, and we're grateful for your support over the years." BrewDog has been contacted for comment by The Scottish Sun. BrewDog, based in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, was co-founded by tycoons James Watt and Martin Dickie in 2007. And it is popular with punters for its innovative and often provocative approach to craft beer. Watt stepped down from his CEO role in the major pub chain back in May 2024 after 17 years. He handed it over to chief operating officer James Arrow as the "business pushes forward into the next phase of growth". But Arrow also stepped down from the role in March earlier this year due to "personal reasons". News of the closures comes after the beer giants started the new year by axing six bars. The wave of closures in January came after the Scottish firm's latest accounts revealed it lost a record £63 million. At the time, bosses said the shutters would come down at three venues in Europe, one in China and another two in England. It was the third year in a row Brewdog has closed boozers. CEO James Arrow broke the grim news to staff and shareholders. He said: 'As you will be very aware, the hospitality sector has faced unprecedented challenges over the last few years – both in the UK and around the world. 'And whilst our bar estate has been very resilient, we've not been immune, and some locations have felt the impact more acutely than others. 'Unfortunately, we recently made the tough decision to close four of our international bars. "Our focus has been on liaising with affected teams and finding them alternative locations where possible.' is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
ABC News
2 days ago
- Business
- ABC News
Uni execs rack up $140,000 on trip as staff face sack
As the cash-strapped University of Technology Sydney (UTS) prepares to sack 10 per cent of its staff, five senior executives have spent more than $140,000 on flights, accommodation and food during a trip to the USA in May, leaked documents have revealed.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Are ‘Running Out of Money,' Says ‘Source'
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are reportedly going through a monetary crisis currently. As reported by ShuterScoop, the Duchess of Sussex and the Duke of Sussex have allegedly been letting staff members go quietly. The news outlet further reported that 'at least four key players' have exited the Sussexes' Archewell team in recent times. The Sussexes, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, have allegedly been losing staff members they hired previously due to a financial crisis. Per ShuterScoop, four significant staff members have left the team. The list reportedly includes Kyle Boulia, the deputy U.S. press secretary, and Charlie Gipson, the longtime U.K. media liaison. Besides them, two other members reportedly chose not to wait to be 'restructured' out of their jobs officially. A 'source' told the news outlet that these layoffs are not 'strategy.' They are for 'survival.' The person further claimed that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, are 'running out of money.' The 'insider' added, 'Now they're running out of people.' According to the news outlet, despite Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's alleged attempt at rebranding, sources claimed that the budget is unable to keep up with all the PR. A 'source' emphasized, 'That's just spin.' The person further explained, 'They don't have the money to keep the team they built.' They added, 'They tried to recreate the royal court.' Then the 'insider' said, 'But California doesn't do crowns on credit.' Another 'source' told the news outlet that 'More layoffs are expected.' 'And Meghan and Harry? They need a major win — fast,' the 'insider' added. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry recently faced mixed reactions over a delivery room video, the Duchess of Sussex shared on her Instagram. The clip showed the couple dancing in the delivery room during pregnancy before welcoming their daughter, Lilibet. 'When spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn't work – there was only one thing left to do!' read the caption of the post. The post Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Are 'Running Out of Money,' Says 'Source' appeared first on Reality Tea.
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
'A Day Of Loss For All Of Us.' Boston University To Lay Off 120 Staff
Boston University joins the ranks of research universities recently announcing staff layoffs and ... More budget cuts. Boston University officials announced on Monday that the university will lay off 120 employees as part of its attempt to reduce its budget by 5% for the upcoming fiscal year. In a letter to the campus community, BU President Melissa Gilliam, along with Provost Gloria Waters, Chief Financial Officer Nicole Tirella, and Senior VP for Operations Derek Howe wrote that the university 'would implement an average 5% budget reduction across all units for FY 2026.' Included in that budget cut is the elimination of about 120 staff positions plus another 120 vacant positions that BU will not fill. In addition, the officials indicated that 'around 20 positions will undergo a change in schedule.' The staff layoffs represent about 1% of BU employees. Those affected will be provided separation packages and career transitional services, according to the letter. Which staff members are being terminated was not made clear. 'Supervisors and Human Resources colleagues will meet with impacted individuals. Once this process is complete, schools, colleges, and unit leaders will inform their respective communities of the budget cuts and decisions made in each area,' read the letter. The cuts were not unexpected. In the spring, BU administrators had warned that the university would need to make budget cuts due to several 'financial headwinds.' At that time, they took the initial step of pausing merit-based salary increases. Citing 'recent and ongoing federal actions and funding cuts' that 'are affecting our research enterprise as well as day-to-day operations,' the campus leaders said the institution faced other financial pressures that have become recently common in higher education, including, 'rising inflation, changing demographics, declining graduate enrollment, and the need to adapt to new technologies.' Boston University now becomes the latest major research university to announce that it's being forced to reduce its budget due to a combination of threats, primarily involving federal funding cuts and freezes being implemented by the Trump administration. In the months of June and July, several major research universities revealed that mounting financial challenges would necessitate substantial cost-cutting, requiring, in some instances, staff layoffs and academic program eliminations. Included in that list were Temple University, Cornell University, the University of Kansas, the University of Minnesota, the University of Maryland, Michigan State Univeristy, and the University of Nebraska. A week ago, Brown University announced that 'deep financial challenges' would require it to cut its spending to address a structural budget deficit that had earlier been projected at $46 million. And a few days before that, Stanford University revealed plans to cut $140 million in general operating funds for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year. Yale University recently announced it was putting a 90-day hiring pause in place and reducing non-salary expenses by 5%. In addition, it is delaying several construction projects that had been planned. Calling it 'a day of loss for all of us,' the BU administrators wrote that 'there is no way around this. We know our community may need time to adjust to these difficult changes.' However, they described their decision as 'a necessary step in ensuring our future. Across our campuses, teams are already working hard to position Boston University to thrive. Over the coming months, there will be many efforts to reshape and reimagine the University in its most efficient and vital form.'
News.com.au
07-07-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's move to save cash amid luxe lifestyle
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly laid off a number of employees in an effort to save cash amid their luxury lifestyle. According to Page Six, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have cut ties with their PR team. The move comes after several other employees left, including their two in-house reps. The outlet reported up to 25 staff members have either exited or been cut since the royal couple relocated to the US in 2020, with some departures not yet publicised. The Sussexes' Netflix deal – reported to be worth up to $US100 million ($A152 million), though sources say it's actually closer to $US20 million ($A30 million) – is also set to expire this year. 'It's the same old story – they cycle through staff as quickly as normal people cycle through toilet paper. Milk lasts longer than their employees,' a royal source told Page Six. It is not known whether Harry and Meghan are experiencing financial problems, despite their hit docu-series, 'Harry & Meghan,' and Meghan's Netflix show, 'With Love, Meghan'. But the couple has less success with documentaries 'Heart of Invictus' and 'Polo'. The streaming giant is reportedly now prioritising 'first look' deals rather than overall exclusive contracts, which means they could re-sign for significantly less money than their current deal. This could prove a headache for the pair, who have a heap of expenses – from travelling to an annual security bill believed to be around $US2 million ($A3 million). According to Page Six, the Sussexes splashed out $US14.65 million ($A20.9 million) on their home after moving to the US – it's now believed to be worth around $US27 million ($A41 million). Deeds showed they took out a $US9.5 million ($A14.5 million) mortgage to be paid back, plus interest, by the year 2050, indicating they put down a $US5 million ($A7 million) deposit. They also have to pay a huge yearly property tax of $US288,000 ($A439,000). They also foot the bill for their staff in communications alongside their personal office, the Archewell Foundation, production, as well as employees at their estate in Montecito, Calfornia. The Sussexes also pay for a portion of their 'faux foreign tours', which have seen them visit Nigeria and Colombia. Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, have now lost hardworking Kyle Boulia, their Los Angeles-based deputy press secretary, and Charlie Gipson, who had been serving as the couple's European communications director. They also lost Deesha Tank, Archewell's director of communications and Lianne Cashin, formerly head of operations at Archewell. Markle's social manager and a personal assistant, who have not been named, have also departed. Meredith Maines remains the couple's chief communications officer after coming on board in February after their last PR boss, Ashley Hansen, left to start her own consultancy firm. The only other in-house rep is Emily Robinson who, ironically, worked on Netflix royal drama 'The Crown'. Maines has also hired a team from Method Communications to help. 'As the Duke and Duchess's business and philanthropic interests grow, I have made the strategic decision to move toward a more traditional communications structure of specialist agency support,' Ms Maines said in a statement. 'Transitioning from a team of two to an agency support staff of eight, operating across five different time zones, will give international media and stakeholders better access, and critically, faster response times to inquiries,' she added. 'In a financial sense, it's cheaper to employ a PR firm, as opposed having to full-time staff,' an industry expert said. There have, of course, been a myriad of reports that Harry, and Meghan are not exactly the easiest to work with. Insiders told us the couple was infuriated and upset by an unflattering Vanity Fair cover story in January, which claimed Meghan could be cold and withholding to staffers at the drop of a dime if 'something went poorly'. It was 'really, really, really awful. Very painful,' an unnamed staff member who worked with Markle on media projects alleged, as another said she would throw employees 'to the wolves'. 'It was unfair, what could their staff truly do about it?' said a source in the know of the VF story, 'the sources were anonymous and things could not be refuted'. The Sussexes were also unhappy with a Hollywood Reporter exposé last September which claimed 'everyone's terrified of Meghan,' regarding her staff. A source added, 'She belittles people, she doesn't take advice. They're both poor decision-makers, they change their minds frequently. 'Harry is a very, very charming person — no airs at all — but he's very much an enabler. And she's just terrible.' Multiple sources told Page Six Harry was furious at the story and desperate to protect his wife, pushing his staff to work on a US Weekly cover story quoting former staffers saying they had loved working for the pair. Alongside this, Harry and Meghan's former communications secretary Jason Knauf famously filed an official complaint in 2018, accusing the mom-of-two of bullying her staff at Buckingham Palace. In emails leaked to the Times of London, he claimed the former 'Suits' star drove two personal assistants out and undermined the confidence of a third staff member. A Sussex rep hit back, saying, 'Let's just call this what it is — a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation', while Markle's lawyer, Jenny Afia, later told the BBC: 'What bullying actually means is improperly using power, repeatedly and deliberately to hurt someone physically or emotionally. 'The Duchess of Sussex has absolutely denied doing that. That said, she wouldn't want to negate anyone's personal experiences.' The results of the palace's probe have never been made public, but Knauf, who is now the CEO of the Earthshot Prize, launched by Harry's brother Prince William, recently told '60 Minutes Australia,' he 'wouldn't change a thing' about raising his concerns. Meghan debuted her rosé wine on Tuesday, on what would have been Princess Diana's 64th birthday, a move which did not go unnoticed by fans and royal experts. 'A source close to the royal household told me, it's not lost on Prince William that Meghan has launched an alcohol brand on his mother's birthday, the very mum he lost in a drink-driving tragedy,' royal reporter Kinsey Schofield told The Sun. Harry, meanwhile, is concentrating on his philanthropic endeavours – and trying to mend fences with his estranged family, including his cancer-stricken father, King Charles. In May, he spoke out yet again about his family rift after losing his fight for government-funded security for his family in the UK. 'I would love reconciliation with my family,' Harry told the BBC, 'There's no point in continuing to fight anymore. Life is precious. I don't know how much longer my father has.' The Telegraph reported there are some moves within the palace to bring Harry and Charles together, claiming that Harry, Markle and their two children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, are being included within Charles' funeral plans. Regardless of what happens with their Netflix deal, a TV producer told us, 'I can see Meghan's show coming back for a third season, easily. People just love to hate her.'
