Initial warns school meals staff not to talk to press

Contract caterer Initial has tried to put a gagging order on some of its staff in a bid to stop them talking about the quality of its school meals. Catering staff at Initial's East Sussex school meal contracts were warned that they would face disciplinary procedures if they were found talking to the press. An internal memo sent by district manager Louise Humphrey said: "I am sure that you are all aware of the recent media attention school meals have been receiving.

"Please note under the terms and conditions of your contract you must under no circumstances discuss or disclose any information regarding school meals or anything to do with them. This is a disciplinary offence and will be dealt with as such."Staff members were then asked to sign the document agreeing to the gagging order.

A spokeswoman for Initial played down the letter, saying it was "a mistake" and the work of an "overenthusiastic" district manager. "What she's saying is right, but it's the way it's been worded we would have changed," she said. "It's not a threatening letter. Our policy is to protect staff. They're there to cook meals, not talk to the press. I don't think any of our staff were upset by the letter." Local union representatives at Unison branded the letter "totally over the top".

Alex Knutson, Unison branch secretary for East Sussex, said: "Initial is using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. To say staff are not upset by this kind of thing is absolute rubbish. It makes Initial look paranoid and a poor employer."

Initial denied similar letters had been sent out to staff elsewhere. However, Caterer has seen another letter claiming staff in Hinckley, Leicestershire, also received a gagging order. The author of the letter asked to remain anonymous.

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 23 March 2005