I have worked for David Hattersley and his most recent two companies Gibex Ltd and Bychurch Ltd since December 2024. Unfortunately, I am among the many employees who have faced wage issues during this time. David Hattersley operates The Old Exeter Inn, located in the historic Devon town of Ashburton, a business known for its unsettling pattern of changing the company name to dodge accountability. Employees like me have been forced to take legal action through ACAS to recover unpaid wages due to his practices.

My personal experience includes working on a casual workers contract with him, where ultimately, no hours were made available due to sudden changes. I was an exemplary employee who worked long shifts and worked very hard to help reopen the Inn after another prolonged closure. Upon my final payslip, I discovered illegal deductions, including my entire accrued holiday pay. This is not an isolated event - previous employees at The Old Exeter Inn have experienced similar situations, and too often, legal action is the only recourse.

David Hattersley's operations reflect a long-standing history of failing to pay not only employees but also small businesses and sole traders. Many service providers are left chasing payments through small claims court due to this unfair practice, impacting their livelihoods.

This pattern of behaviour creates an unfair work environment and instigates unnecessary stress and hardship in our community, here in South Devon. It's time for this to change. Those affected should not have to suffer through complicated legal processes to demand what is rightfully theirs. Job seekers should be aware in advance of what previous employees have to go through in order to be paid their wages or remunerated for invoices for work that has been done in good faith. 

Join me in standing up against these unethical practices by holding David Hattersley and The Old Exeter Inn accountable. Demand transparency and fair payment practices for all individuals and businesses involved. I will send this petition to Companies House and the Insolvency Service to encourage them to investigate what has been happening and how a person can routinely change the company that runs their business leaving people struggling to recover money owed to them.

Sign this petition to push for action and ensure that no more employees or small businesses endure the same unjust challenges we have faced. Let's make our voices heard and inspire change in how The Old Exeter Inn operates.