London Board Game Bar Draughts Faces Employment Tribunal Over Dismissal of Kitchen Worker
•February 10, 2026
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Why It Matters
The tribunal’s decision could set a precedent for protecting union members on insecure contracts, forcing hospitality employers to reassess dismissal policies and compliance with UK labor law.
Key Takeaways
- •Tribunal hearing scheduled Feb 12‑13 for Draughts dismissal.
- •Worker on zero‑hour contract dismissed after union strike ballot.
- •Union alleges unlawful victimisation and breach of association rights.
- •Case spotlights precarious employment practices in London hospitality.
- •Potential ruling may reshape employer handling of union activity.
Pulse Analysis
The UK’s trade‑union protections, codified in the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act, make it unlawful for employers to dismiss employees for participating in lawful industrial activity. In Awed’s case, the proximity of his termination to the strike ballot raises a classic victimisation claim, prompting the tribunal to scrutinise whether Draughts’ stated “reduced staffing” rationale masks a retaliatory motive. Legal scholars note that zero‑hour contracts, while flexible, often lack the procedural safeguards that full‑time roles enjoy, making dismissals on such contracts a frequent flashpoint for disputes.
London’s hospitality sector has increasingly relied on precarious staffing models, digital payment systems, and QR‑code tipping, all of which have sparked worker unrest. The United Voices of the World (UVW) has been at the forefront of organising staff across venues, pressing for predictable rotas and fair wages. Recent industrial actions at Draughts, including protests over unpredictable schedules and new payment technologies, reflect a broader trend of employees demanding stability in an industry traditionally characterised by high turnover and short‑term contracts.
Should the tribunal rule in favour of Awed, the decision would reinforce the legal shield around union activity, compelling employers to adopt transparent dismissal procedures and to engage in genuine consultation before altering contracts. Such a precedent could ripple through the hospitality market, prompting chains to review zero‑hour arrangements and to invest in robust HR compliance frameworks. Conversely, a ruling for Draughts might embolden firms to continue flexible staffing without heightened legal risk, potentially deepening the divide between precarious workers and their employers. Either outcome will shape the strategic calculus of hospitality operators navigating labour relations in a post‑pandemic economy.
London Board Game Bar Draughts Faces Employment Tribunal Over Dismissal of Kitchen Worker
Draughts, a London‑based board game bar, is due to appear before an employment tribunal on 12–13 February in relation to the dismissal of Awed, a kitchen worker and member of the United Voices of the World (UVW) trade union.
Awed, a Sudanese national, was employed at Draughts’ Stratford branch at the time his union issued formal notice of a strike ballot last summer. His employment was terminated the following day. Draughts cited a “reduced need for staffing hours” as the reason for the dismissal.
UVW maintains that the timing of the dismissal raises concerns that it may have been connected to Awed’s trade union membership and activity. The union also argues that, as Awed was employed on a zero‑hour contract, the decision to terminate his employment rather than reduce or cease offering shifts warrants scrutiny.
According to UVW, Awed had no prior disciplinary record and did not receive advance notice, consultation, or a disciplinary process before his dismissal. The union contends that the case raises broader questions about employment practices within the hospitality sector, particularly for workers on insecure contracts.
The employment tribunal will consider these matters during the hearing. Awed is being represented by the Free Representation Unit on behalf of United Voices of the World.
Last summer, workers at Draughts took industrial action over several workplace issues, including the use of zero‑hour contracts, unpredictable rotas, the introduction of QR‑code‑based payment and tipping systems, and concerns about on‑site security across the company’s venues.
Draughts was founded more than ten years ago and is co‑directed by Nicholas Curci. The company currently operates venues in Stratford and Waterloo and is known for its board‑game offering and casual dining format. The strike action marked the first coordinated industrial action involving its workforce.
Awed, dismissed kitchen worker at Draughts and UVW member, said:
“I had so many plans for my life when I was working at Draughts, and my dismissal has been devastating. I wanted to bring my family here to escape war in Sudan and that may no longer be possible as things stand. I feel I was dismissed through no fault of my own – I haven’t done anything wrong – and it happened just as I joined the union. I am happy to be a member of UVW because it’s supporting me through this difficult situation.”
Petros Elia, UVW General Secretary, said:
“This case raises serious concerns about the treatment of migrant and precariously employed workers in London’s hospitality sector. Awed was dismissed immediately after a lawful strike ballot was announced, despite having a clean employment record. The timing strongly suggests he was targeted because he stood up for better working conditions alongside his colleagues. Trade union victimisation is not only unlawful, it is a breach of fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom of association. No worker should face losing their livelihood for exercising these basic rights, and we hope this tribunal will send a clear message that such conduct has no place in our workplaces.”
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