TGI Friday’s staff to stage first UK strike over tips: Workers at TGI Friday’s are to stage the brand’s first strike in the UK following ballots at two branches. Waiting staff at sites in Milton Keynes and Covent Garden are set to walk out on Friday, 18 May in protest over a new policy in which the Unite union accused TGI Friday’s of using unpaid trial shifts and taking 40% of waiters’ card tips and redistributing them to kitchen staff in lieu of a pay rise. The waiting staff, all members of Unite, voted unanimously for action against the changes they say could cost them up to £250 a month in lost earnings. TGI Friday’s is potentially facing a summer of disruption with strike ballots under way at four further restaurants, including sites in Manchester and Gateshead. A spokeman for the UK arm of TGI Friday’s told the Guardian: “Team members are part of our Friday’s family and we care about them. We believe all our team members should be – and are – treated and paid fairly. Despite this, a small number at Milton Keynes stadium and Covent Garden have voted to strike. We are listening to them and collectively working to find a resolution. In the meantime, we will be doing all we can to ensure our guests receive the usual great dining experience and the restaurant remains open as normal.” Unite regional officer Dave Turnbull said: “If TGI’s wants to look at how it can reward kitchen staff, then work with us on a fair solution.”

London-based Loaded Burgers eyes first regional site, in Liverpool: London-based Loaded Burgers is eyeing its first regional site, in Liverpool, as it looks to grow the business through franchising. The concept, where diners can create their own burgers, currently has sites in Ilford in Essex and Stoke Newington in east London. Now it is behind plans submitted to Liverpool City Council to turn a former housing association office in Smithdown Road into a 56-seater restaurant. Designs enclosed with the application show Loaded Burgers’ signage and logo, reports Your Move Liverpool. Loaded Burgers opened its first site in Cranbrook Road, Ilford, in 2014 followed by the second venue in Stoke Newington High Street a year later. Other menu items include chicken and waffles, deep-fried chicken wings and peanut butter milkshakes.