"Costa Coffee franchise workers 'not treated like humans', 23 August 2019

The BBC has spoken to 26 employees of Costa Coffee franchise stores managed by Goldex Essex Investments Ltd and Bristal Investments Ltd.

Complaints include managers' alleged refusal to pay for sickness or annual leave, working outside of contracted hours and the retention of tips.

 A Costa Coffee spokeswoman said an independent audit has been launched. "...we have today informed all of our Individual Franchise Partners that we will be launching an independent audit into the legal and ethical compliance of their operations, including employment matters," she said on Thursday.

The latest allegations surfaced after the BBC reported that staff at Costa stores, managed by...Goldex Essex Investments Ltd, were being charged a minimum of £200 for their own training...

...[An]...employee...claimed that employees "were not treated like human beings" and complained of a "complete lack of empathy and consideration of our feelings"...