Open letter to all head chefs

An Open Letter to Head Chefs: Leadership, Responsibility, and the Legal Duty to Protect Your Team

Dear Head Chef,

We write to you as a leader. A figure of authority, influence, and example in one of the most demanding professions in the UK.

With that role comes enormous responsibility — not just for the quality of your kitchen’s food, but for the welfare of the people who prepare it.

It has come to our attention that an increasing number of kitchen workers — chefs, KPs, and other hospitality staff — are experiencing bullying, intimidation, and harassment. In many cases, these behaviours are either carried out or enabled by those in senior positions.

This letter is a clear and direct reminder: you have a legal and moral duty to protect your staff.

Your Role Is Not Just Culinary — It Is Legal

As Head Chef, you are not exempt from employment law. Your position gives you heightened accountability. You are expected to know better — and to do better.

If you are:

• Shouting, swearing, or humiliating junior staff

• Belittling, excluding, or ignoring team members

• Creating a culture of fear, anxiety, or silence

• Allowing others to bully or harass without consequence

Then you are not leading — you are abusing your authority.

The Law Is Clear:

• Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, you have a duty to protect your team from both physical and psychological harm. Bullying and intimidation breach this duty.

• Under the Equality Act 2010, you must not harass or discriminate against staff based on age, race, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.

• Under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, repeated or threatening behaviour can result in civil claims or criminal prosecution.

“Kitchen culture” is not a defence. The law does not recognise tradition over accountability.

This Is Your Warning

Unichef supports all hospitality workers who face bullying, harassment, or abuse — even when they are not yet ready to raise a formal grievance. We act as a shield for those who feel powerless or afraid.

If we become aware of abusive behaviour from a Head Chef, we will support the victims. We will document, escalate, and act.

You may face:

• Formal grievance proceedings

• Tribunal or civil claims

• Disciplinary action

• Reputational damage

• Staff resignation or refusal to work under you

Leadership Means Responsibility

Your kitchen reflects the standard you set.
Respect is not weakness. Discipline is not cruelty. Fear is not leadership.

If you recognise your behaviour in this letter, now is the time to change.
Before others change it for you.

Your actions affect real people with real lives.
You are being watched — and your team deserves better.

We urge you to lead with professionalism, integrity, and humanity.

Sincerely,
Unichef – The National Chefs Union
Standing for dignity, safety, and respect in every kitchen.