Workers at the Village Hotels have been engaged in rolling industrial action since November 28 after members voted unanimously to strike in a dispute over jobs, pay and conditions.
Unite says it has obtained evidence showing a recruitment firm supplied temporary workers to carry out duties normally performed by striking staff — a practice prohibited under UK law, the union says.
The union has asked the Department for Business and Trade to launch an urgent investigation and consider enforcement action.
Village Hotels is accused of seeking agency labour for roles including pub and grill staff and night porters during the strike.
Unite has also written to the managing director of the recruitment firm to formally raise concerns about what it says was the unlawful deployment of agency workers.
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Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The revelations that Village Hotels has sought to cover roles performed by striking workers through the illegal use of agency staff must be urgently investigated by all relevant government agencies.
“Village Hotels is an incredibly wealthy business, but it is currently behaving like a rogue employer. Unite continues to fully support the Village Hotels workers in Glasgow in their ongoing battle for fairness and decency in the workplace.”
Unite union general secretary Sharon Graham. (Image: Jacob King/PA Wire)
In its latest published accounts, VUR Village Hotels Ltd reported post‑tax profits of £182 million. The brand is now owned by US private‑equity giant Blackstone, which bought the business in 2024 and last year posted revenues of $13.23bn.
Unite regional co‑ordinating officer Alison Maclean said: “Village Hotels has shown contempt for its workforce by ignoring reasonable calls for equal pay and the real living wage.
“They have now crossed a legal line by attempting to undermine staff during lawful industrial action.
“Unite has formally escalated this matter to the secretary of state and demanded an urgent investigation into what constitutes illegal conduct.”
Village Hotels have been approached for comment
