in brief

Bass backs down

Bass Leisure Retail has been forced to back down after claims by two of its pub managers that they were unfairly required to work more than 48 hours a week. William Marshall, of the Toby Jug in Castle Bromwich, and Christopher Mortlock, of the Custard House in Bordesley Green, both in the West Midlands, claimed they worked an average 85-hour week. Bass has admitted that managers are not exempt from the working time regulations following a Government clarification of the regulations in December.

Savoy quits scheme

The Savoy hotel is withdrawing from Leading Hotels of the World, the marketing, sales and reservations scheme that represents more than 300 of the world's most exclusive hotels. Both the Savoy Group and Leading Hotels refused to comment on the decision.

Cateys deadline

The deadline for nominations for the Caterer & Hotelkeeper Awards 2000 is Friday 3 March, although entries for the best group and best independent marketing campaigns have until Friday 31 March. Call Sarah Sutton of Caterer's projects team on 020 8652 8349 for a nomination brochure.