Sacked HelloFresh workers lose legal challenge

A group of HelloFresh workers who say they were dismissed after complaining about working conditions, have lost a legal challenge.

During a protest in October, 79 workers said they were let go by the firm after raising concerns about toilet break policies and termination procedures at the firm's warehouse in Nuneaton.

Last week, a judge ruled that the company did not need to pay the workers while they pursued a possible employment tribunal.

HelloFresh said it was "pleased" that the court rejected the workers' claim.

In October, the company also announced plans to close the Nuneaton depot, putting almost 900 jobs at risk.

A spokesperson for HelloFresh said: "The outcome of the hearing affirms that the recent dismissals were fairly investigated and addressed, and that HelloFresh acted within the best interests of its employees to ensure their safety and wellbeing."

In response, Community Trade Union, which represents the workers, said it was "understandably unhappy" with the initial judgement.

Gavin Miller, Regional Secretary for the Midlands at Community Union, said: "We hold the opinion that these workers were trying to engage with their employer and have lost their jobs as a result of wanting to be listened to."

He called for HelloFresh to commit to an independent review of business operations through Syndex - a consultation firm which assists employee representatives.

"If their employees truly are the heart of everything they do, they will see this as an essential measure to assess how they can retain their loyal and committed workforce," Mr Miller said.

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