THE owner of an Anglesey sandwich bar says he has been forced to stop supplying a charity run hospital cafe, despite a financial investigation causing the charity to suspend plans to cancel its contract with his business.
The WRVS charity, which owns the volunteer run cafe in Ysbyty Gwynedd, has announced that any decision regarding the future of its contract with Menai Deli will be put on hold while an investigation takes place into allegations of “financial impropriety” at the charity.
The decision had been called a “stay of execution” for the sandwich supplier, which is facing up to six jobs losses.
However, Menai Deli owner Wyn Williams, said he will have to stop supplying the cafe this Friday anyway, because he has received no indication about how long the investigation will last.
Many of the six workers facing the axe are already beginning to look for other employment and with the future uncertain Mr Williams has been unable to offer them any indication regarding the possibility of continued employment at Menai Deli.
“If they said to me in letter form they would like me to carry on for six weeks, 12 weeks, whatever, I could say to my staff I can give you more weeks here,” he said.
“But I can’t say that.”
Mr Williams, who is due to meet senior WRVS officials in the coming days, said he still hopes the charity will finally overturn its decision for good.
“The support we’ve had is absolutely overwhelming,” he added.
Earlier this week, WRVS executive director of corporate services, Darren Xiberras, said: “The decision to consolidate our sandwich supplies was taken with the best of intentions to help WRVS carry out its charitable work.
“However, in the light of the serious allegations of financial impropriety, WRVS has appointed an independent firm of chartered accountants to investigate the allegations.
“In the meantime the status quo will prevail in the provision of supplies until such time as the investigation is completed.
“Since the resolution of this matter is a priority for all concerned we will aim to conclude the investigation as swiftly as possible.”