A GROUP of Glasgow cafe workers told their boss they “won’t be gagged” as they began a landmark legal battle today against their alleged unfair dismissal.

The eight workers, who are members of Unite, launched their legal case against hospitality and leisure employment giant G1 Group, which runs more than 45 venues in the city, relating to an incident last September.

They were sacked from the Grosvenor Cafe in Glasgow’s West End allegedly without being given any grounds, disciplinary process or a formal notice.

They are now seeking justice and compensation through a full employment tribunal against the firm’s owner Stefan King.

The workers say they were summoned to the headquarters of the company — which doubles as Mr King’s residence — to be told that they were being summarily dismissed.

Thompsons Solicitors, representing the workers, will argue that the employees were denied their union’s legal representation and contractual notice pay, as well as being unfairly dismissed.

This case will be the first time that Mr King and G1 have been taken to court over unfair dismissal.

However, G1 was fined £45,000 for failing to pay 2,895 staff the minimum wage in 2015.

The firm was also forced to pay back £411,000 to Skills Development Scotland after “major financial irregularities” were uncovered.

Unite hospitality organiser Bryan Simpson said: “G1 has a habit of settling out of court when they do wrong by their employees.

“From gagging orders to compromise settlements, they will do anything to avoid being unveiled for the exploitative employers that they are.

“Our members have decided that they won’t be gagged and are willing to tell all about the way they have been treated at tribunal.”