A member of the European Parliament has backed a group of workers campaigning for higher wages during the festive period.

Labour MEP for East of England, Alex Mayer, signed a petition launched by TGI Friday’s employees who are insisting the American restaurant chain pay them double for working Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year’s Day.

She said two years ago TGI Friday’s demanded staff sign contracts that took away their right to be paid time-and-a-half for working over the Christmas and New Year period.

Ms Mayer told the Watford Observer the company made a 17 million profit in 2018.

An online petition has reached almost 6,000 signatures.

Ms Mayer said: “While many people will spend this time with family and friends, TGI Friday's workers will be serving others.

“Christmas is the time of goodwill to all, so I urge bosses at TGI Friday's not to be a Scrooge and to take on the small extra cost to make a massive difference to their staff.”

For more information, visit: https://www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/pay-us-fairly-this-christmas