No such thing as a free lunch

[Noguacamole]

I work for a large organisation. FTSE 100 I believe.

I’ve worked there for over 20 years and they have always offered a free lunch. I am aware that this “perk” was offered for probably 20years before that too. I realise we have been very lucky. Some people have become reliant on these free meals (especially those lower on the pay gradings).

In the last few years, due to a merger, the original company has grown massively. The other company (who they took over), didn’t offer free lunches. We’ve now been told (after the lunch offering was massively reduced in the last 12 months) that the free lunches are to stop. We will instead be offered subsided meals. (I assume the massive increase in staff has something to do with this - not being sustainable to offer lunches to all staff so stop it entirely.)

The lunches have never, as far as I’m aware, featured in the contract of employment.

Can the free lunches be withdrawn without compensation?


I should also add, in case it is relevant, our office, for the original company, is being relocated. We are currently in a purpose built office a little off the main track, and there is a large restaurant. We’ve been told by management that we will be moving to our nearest city into rented office space (where I will assume there is no restaurant as such but probably a coffee shop).

Also to add, office occupancy has reduced since Covid which is another reason they have said they are removing the lunches.

Thank you.

[ULA]

As you say this is not a contractual benefit and although there has been many years of what might be determined as "custom and practice" in providing free meals, I would suggest that given reasonable notice of changes to this becoming subsidised, or in the case of a change of work location it no longer being available, you are limited in what you can do about this.

If you have union recognition has anyone spoken to the union about this would be my only other suggestion.