A PUB group which made dozens of its staff redundant has reversed its decision following a backlash.

Dozens of the staff working for the Lucidity pub and hospitality group were originally told that they would be furloughed, before then being informed by bosses that they would be let go with immediate effect.

But following pressure from Barrow’s MP Simon Fell and the community, Lucidity have now reversed its decision and will furlough staff, meaning they will receive 80 per cent of their salaries from the Government.

After Mr Fell wrote to Lucidity operations director Gawain Steel asking him to reverse the decision, the MP received a response taking back the terminations.

It said the company had held an emergency board meeting to discuss how it could overcome ‘challenges with cash flow’.

It added that employees would have 80 per cent of their wages paid by the Government - but only when the company receives the money.

An email sent to Lucidity employees said: “We would like to take this opportunity to apologise for the distress that this has caused to both yourselves and your families at such an uncertain and worrying time.

“The employees who are currently carrying out their roles in the business will continue to do so and additional staff members may be required to return to work now, or in the near future.”

Lucidity runs the Townhouse pub, Dunes Hotel and Stagger Inn at Stainton.

Welcoming the turnaround, Mr Fell said: “I am delighted that the company have responded so proactively and positively to the concerns raised by me, former staff, and the wider community on social media, and have agreed to place all staff on the Government’s job retention scheme.

“The fact that Lucidity Group have apologised to their staff and have been brave enough to think again will, I’m sure, be welcomed across Furness.

“These are challenging times for everyone, and we are in truly uncharted territory.

“Local businesses are working night and day to do the right thing by their staff and the wider community.

“Just like people, just like the government, they are fallible.”