A Fife hotel at the centre of a row over unpaid wages has now closed.
It is understood Banner’s Hotel in Markinch had its utilities cut off at the end of last week.
A sign on the door states that the premises have been closed for “maintenance”.
It comes after three former employees won employment tribunals last month over unauthorised deductions from wages and unpaid holidays.
Banner’s boss Kevin Penman, who trades under the company name Markinch Limited, has been told to cough up around £7,600.
The Courier understands the former employees have still to receive their money but Mr Penman has until later this month to comply with the orders.
A source said: “They put a sign in the door last Friday stating ‘closed due to maintenance’ and not a soul has been seen there since.
“A trickle of people showed up on Sunday expecting to enjoy their booked Mother’s Day dinners, only to be thwarted. They hadn’t been informed of the closure.
“Allegedly, all utilities have also been cut off to the building.”
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Problems at Banner’s surfaced at the end of November, when around 10 members of staff walked out after the hotel failed to pay wages.
In February, former employees of Banner’s told The Courier they had been forced to pay for P45s sent to them without postage stamps.
The Unite Hospitality trade union said it added “insult to injury” after staff were left out of pocket before Christmas.
John Beare, SNP councillor for Glenrothes North, Leslie and Markinch, said: “In just a few years Banner’s developed a great reputation, in and beyond Markinch for its food, atmosphere, its staff.
“The new owners don’t appear to have been able to maintain the high standards of leadership that were previously set.
“Let’s hope that leadership can be found that will return Banner’s to where it deserves to be, for the staff and community.”
Banner’s bosses were contacted for comment but have yet to respond.
Former head chef Andy Macleod, 30, was one of those who had to rely on the generosity of relatives, having not received his monthly wages at the end of November.
Mr Macleod had only worked at Banner’s for a month and it was his first head chef position.
He said: “It was my first real go at being head chef, so I’d reached the top of my career path but this has put me off the industry a bit.”
