EIGHT hundred people have now told Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin: "Listen to your workers."

But the company, which has 40,000 employees, has nothing to say to them, The National can reveal.

Signatures to the online petition listing staff staff demands over the chain's reopening continue to grow.

It was posted on the workers' campaign platform megaphone.co.uk two days ago and urges Martin to "listen to his workers" on health and safety.

The National:

It was put up by Alex McIntyre, who led the Wetherspoons strike over pay and conditions in 2018, and calls for door security in all branches, appropriate personal protective equipment, no skeleton staffing and no penalty for not reaching sales targest.

It states: "We are not disposable. We are the ones pouring the pints, cleaning the floors and cooking the food. The company depends on us to make profits and keep the business running.

"Therefore, we make these demands to Tim Martin and John Hutson, Chairman and CEO of JD Wetherspoon. We hope that they will listen to our demands, work with us to transition into returning to work, putting our safety first."

The pub chain unveiled plans for the reopening of almost 900 bars last month. They include changes to menues and seating and protective screens at till points.

The National:

At the time, chief executive John Hutson it the company was getting prepared for when government lockdown restrictions are lifted, adding: "The safety of our staff and customers is paramount."

But when asked for its take on the petition, backed by the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union, beer bosses had nothing to say.

The company told The National: "On this occasion we will not offer a comment."

Earlier this year, Martin had a lot more to say, telling staff to "go work at Tesco" as he warned them they could face delays over pay in March.

The pro-Brexit businessman, who is reportedly worth £400 million, had initially vowed to keep all units open during the pandemic, which he referred to as a "health scare", and said closing pubs would be "over the top".