Pub chain MacMerry says it is working "tirelessly" to improve conditions following shocking claims of poor practice and ill treatment to staff in its venues across Scotland.
Along with sister company Abandon Ship Bar Ltd, Macmerry has pledged to address staff complaints about safety and pay after a litany of grievances was laid against them by trade union Unite.
They run the Abandon Ship bars in Glasgow and Dundee as well as other high-end watering holes like The Luchador, Bird and Bear, Draffens and The King of Islington - and have been been planning an expansion into London.
However, a Daily Record investigation revealed that managers in the firm were said to have brushed off potential health and safety breaches, staff were asked to come into work while awaiting Covid test results, and allegations of sexual misconduct were not investigated by management.
Workers also claimed income tax and pension contributions were deducted from their wages but not passed onto HMRC or retirement fund body Nest.
Company bosses Phil Donaldson, AJ McMenemy, Richard Davies and Martin Cannon met virtually with union representatives last week for a five-hour meeting to discuss the claims.
They have now agreed to investigate irregularities in staff pay and have appointed independent HR firm Dorothy McKinney to investigate claims of bullying, sexual misconduct and assault.
Staff will also have access to an app that allows them to view all of their payslips, after some complained the firms were not being transparent about pay.
The Record understands that at least one senior bar worker has been suspended.
In a statement, Phil Donaldson said: "We have worked tirelessly since hearing the grievances last week and believe we have made significant steps forward to address and investigate all aspects of the grievances raised.
"We are using this as an opportunity to focus in on the operations and make a stronger and healthier business for everyone."
Meanwhile Davies, the businessman behind the Abandon Ship line of clothing, said in a social media posting he would be working to improve "training, policies and clear communication lines" at the bars bearing his brand.
The developments have been cautiously welcomed by Bryan Simpson, industrial organiser of Unite's Hospitality branch.
However, the union says it remains concerned that MacMerry and Abandon Ship bosses will do no more than the "legal minimum" to look after staff - and has urged management to get around the table to discuss moving forward.
Simpson said: "The appointment of an independent investigator is welcome, as it ensures that the most serious allegations are dealt with independent from senior management and directors.
"The establishment of an app which allows workers to see all of their wages, accrued holidays and pensions on one platform is also a positive step.
"The rest of the pay and conditions 'audit' promised in the grievance meeting on 19th January appeared to simply be a commitment to pay all wages, holidays, sick pay and pensions in accordance with the law.
"While this is a start - particularly given how long workers across Macmerry have waited for this - we want to see Directors going further to improve conditions for staff."
The MacMerry row has reignited conversations about pay and conditions for service workers in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic
It has also caught the attention of Dundee SNP MP Chris Law, who wrote to the company seeking assurances, and North East Scottish Labour MSP Mercedes Villalba, who lodged a motion in support of the workers in Holyrood.
Villalba said: "MacMerry 300 and Abandon Ship group’s alleged conduct is completely unacceptable."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
