Kitchin hires HR specialist to probe abuse claims – Every day Enterprise
Tom Kitchin: “proud of high standards”
Top chef Tom Kitchin has hired an external HR specialist to investigate allegations of bullying by former restaurant employees.
Anonymous allegations that surfaced on an Instagram page described “toxic” behavior, violence and incidents of sexual assault in his restaurants.
The 44-year-old chef who runs Edinburgh’s Michelin-starred restaurant The Kitchin, Gastropub Scran and Scallie and Southside Scran made a statement on social media confirming that he has taken action.
The company has already suspended two employees on allegations of abuse and harassment.
In his statement, he also denied allegations that directors of the company, including himself and his wife, took a portion of cash tips intended for local staff.
In a post on Instagram expanding a statement released earlier this month, Mr. Kitchin said, “Dear guests, it has been a very challenging time over the past few weeks.
“Top kitchens all over the world can be under high pressure, hectic and challenging, in which emotions often run high.
“However, the high demands placed on our food and our service really have to match the behavioral standards in our kitchens and other businesses.
“In recent years, feedback from our team members has been the basis for the steps we’ve taken to improve the often traditional culture in our kitchens, but we still have more work to do.
“While we pride ourselves on the high standards we set ourselves, we have never claimed to be perfect and where further improvements are needed we will address them head on.
“That is why we have commissioned an independent, external personnel consultancy to deal with complaints and will take appropriate action immediately if complaints are justified.
“In the past, credit card tips and service fees have been shared between all members of the front-of-house and kitchen teams, including the directors who work with their colleagues in the venues to create the guest experience.
“Directors have never participated in cash tips. In the future, all credit card and cash tops will be fully shared between the operational front-of-house teams and the kitchen teams.
“Over the past few weeks I have really been grateful for the sincere support we have received from many, many members of our team past and present, from my fellow chefs in the UK and beyond, and from our extremely loyal guests.
“After seeing the full restaurant last night and thinking about the incredible professionalism of our team, I’m really proud of each and every one of them and I know they share my commitment to continuously improve every aspect of our operations.”
Mr. Kitchin was a visiting judge at TV’s MasterChef and appeared on the Great British Menu. At the age of 29, he became one of the youngest chefs to receive a Michelin star.
