Wagamama Had a Christmas to Forget | Eater London

"An outlet of a national Japanese-restaurant chain in North Finchley provoked outrage after a manager reportedly threatened disciplinary action for staff calling in sick; the incident was shared on 23 December by MSP Ross Greer (after an earlier Unite Facebook post), triggering boycott threats and calls for the manager to be fired. The company issued a swift apology but has not clarified its sick-leave practices, and observers noted a resigned lack of surprise given wider hospitality-sector pressures; many argue the manager’s “highly unusual approach” reflects systemic staffing and cultural problems, including a cited fear of “team member shortages.” The episode is especially striking given the chain’s prominent environmental credentials—under CEO Jane Holbrook the group highlights anaerobic food composting and a claimed zero-emission rating—leading critics to urge that sustainability efforts must include better internal labour practices." - James Hansen