TGI Fridays will remain on UK high streets following a rescue deal for the chain, but more than 1,000 staff have lost their jobs with the immediate closure of 35 restaurants.
Breal Capital and Calveton UK have acquired 51 restaurants after the group’s previous operator fell into administration.
It means that nearly 2,400 jobs have been saved across the US-themed restaurant and cocktail bar.
But joint administrators at Teneo said 35 restaurants were not included in the sale and have been closed immediately, resulting in 1,012 redundancies.
Bryan Simpson, Unite lead organiser for hospitality, said:” The way in which workers have been treated across TGI Fridays today is a national disgrace.
“To close venues and lock people out their workplace with absolutely no notice is a moral outrage.
“This is the same company that informed the press before they told workers that they had gone into administration. Now our members are being told that they may not even be paid wages for work done.
“We would encourage any affected workers to contact Unite immediately to ensure they receive everything they are entitled to.”
The nearest branch and only branch left open in Sussex is Crawley.
Julie McEwan, chief executive of TGI Fridays UK, said: “The news today marks the start of a positive future for our business following a very challenging period for the casual dining sector as a whole.
“We are devastated for our colleagues who will be leaving TGIs and thank them for their loyalty and contribution during their time with us.
“We are doing everything possible to retain our team and support those impacted.”
TGI Friday’s have been approached for comment.