FAST-FOOD chain Pizza Hut said that it was “deeply sorry” today after a London franchise boss withheld wages from workers for up to two months.

Dozens of workers had their livelihoods put at risk after Simon Byrne dodged workers’ phone calls and offered no explanation for not paying staff, as reported yesterday by the Morning Star.

A Pizza Hut statement said that its head office had stepped in and would be ensuring that all staff will be paid for the hours they have worked. 

“We are deeply sorry for what has happened and would like to apologise to any team members affected and reassure them that we are committed to making this right,” the statement said.

Activists from the Croydon Solidarity Network (CSN) warned that many workers at the six franchise sites in south-east London and beyond had still not been paid, despite Mr Byrne’s assurances that they would receive their wages by Monday.

Chris Alves, a worker at the Northbury branch, said: “I have no money, I have no food, I have no toilet paper. 

“I’m sitting here shaking and crying, having a nervous breakdown. I have credit bills that are just gaining interest. Can you tell me how much longer I have to starve?”

Mutual-aid groups in the area have come together to provide support for Mr Alves.

CSN’s Daniel, who did not want to give his surname, said: “This is a clear failure of the state and Pizza Hut that we have to do this — that people have to rally together to provide support.

“At least one worker has been paid, indicating that the tactics of the workers have helped. But how is there a situation where one worker is, but others aren’t?”