The Everyman chain, which operates 33 cinemas, would not access the furlough scheme to cover wages in October due to the need for an increased contribution from the company, Wise said.
There is no time limit set on lay off and employees continue to build up holiday during lay offs.
One Everyman staff member, who is employed by the chain on a guaranteed-hours contract,said: “It honestly just feels like I’ve been made unemployed.
Staff at the Everyman cinema chain have complained about being left in limbo by the company’s use of “lay off” to stand down 400 employees until audiences return.