Peter Lazenby
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WORKERS at a popular events venue in Sheffield are fighting to save their jobs as the venue’s owners pursue eviction proceedings — in a bid to take it over and run it themselves.
The Leadmill in Sheffield, which employs about 80 workers, opened 43 years ago and is the city’s oldest events venue.
In 2017, the building was bought by chain The Electric Group which runs three other venues — Electric Brixton in London, SWX in Bristol, and NX in Newcastle.
The two sides are involved in a vitriolic verbal battle over the plans.
The current management said the eviction would mean the closure of the Leadmill in its current form and accused the building’s owners of wanting to “seize the goodwill created and developed by The Leadmill over 43 years.”
The Electric Group accused Leadmill’s management of wanting to hang on to a profitable venue, even though its lease as tenants ran out in March.
Electric Group also accused Leadmill’s management of “exploiting the loyalty of its workers.”
Earlier today, workers and supporters of the current management lobbied a Sheffield Council hearing into an application by Electric Group for a licence to run the building.
They claim the support of well-known performers including Jarvis Cocker, the Arctic Monkeys and Eddie Izzard.
The current management said in a statement: “This uncertain situation is taking a significant toll on our 80 hard-working staff; time, energy, and resources are being diverted into trying to retain our jobs which could have been spent on developing the business and bringing unique events to Sheffield.
“We are distressed and frustrated about the situation, but the continued support offered by the public keeps us going.”
