Christmas party booking blow for Comet workers
Workers at troubled national chain Comet on the brink of losing their jobs in the next few weeks have suffered a double blow after being refused a refund on a deposit for a Christmas party.
The 30 staff at Shrewsbury's Comet store on Meole Brace Retail Park, which is likely to close on December 18, arranged in October to stage their festive bash at the Albrighton Hall Hotel near Shrewsbury.
Workers from the electrical retailer had paid the hotel a deposit of £240 in two instalments towards their celebrations, but then they decided to cancel the party after Comet fell into administration.
They approached the business and asked about a part or full refund on the deposit in light of their work situation – but claim the hotel immediately refused to return any money.
Sundorne resident Graham Smith, who is sales manager at the threatened shop, said: "We've had a Christmas party every single year but as soon as we found out that our company had fallen into administration we made the decision and contacted the hotel to say we would not be able to come.
"We asked about the possibility of at least having some of the deposit back but after discussing it with a manager the person I had been dealing with actually turned round and said 'no' because they had spaces to fill.
"We said to them that if they filled the spaces could we then have the deposit back but they again refused.
"We are gutted actually because it's a further blow to us and none of us can really afford to go anywhere at the moment anyway so it would have been nice if some discretion could have been used."
Nick Hughes, general manager for the Mercure Shrewsbury Albrighton Hall Hotel and Spa, said: "We were disappointed that this booking was not going ahead, but it does clearly state on our booking confirmation form that deposits are non-refundable or transferable in the event of any cancellation or reduction in number."
