An Italian restaurant in Delph has criticised its staff for 'failing to turn up to shifts' and for forcing the small business to close to diners when it is struggling to survive.

La Rustica, situated in Saddleworth Business Centre on Huddersfield Road, is a family-owned restaurant that offers home-cooked Italian food in its cosy establishment.

However, on Sunday (September 25) the owners, Lorenzo and Alessandra, alleged it was unable to operate both its breakfast and evening dining-in service due to a lack of staff who did not show up to their shifts.

In a post online, the restaurant criticised its employees who are allegedly paid “well above the minimum wage and have all the tips and free food” provided to them while at work.

But, the post continued: “Unfortunately, this counts for very little as they are immune to the damage they inflict on small businesses, especially one like ours who are struggling to survive in any event.”

The owners apologised to customers for the abrupt closure.

Some Saddleworth locals and customers have since rallied around the restaurant and are urging the owners to consider hiring new staff.

In comments posted on La Rustica's Facebook page, one said: “I hope you manage to find some decent staff to replace them.”

Another commenter added: “There are lots of hard-working young people looking for jobs currently. I am sure you will find someone reliable to fill the places you need.”

Meanwhile, one resident said she had turned up on Friday with a group of friends but discovered the establishment was closed.

She added: “I will ring next time to make sure you’re open. The breakfast is lovely.”

The full post on La Rustica’s Facebook page read: “Good evening, once again I have to apologise to all those customers who wanted to dine with us this evening - our floor staff have again not turned up for their Sunday evening shift.

“Therefore, there is no dining in tonight.

“This also happened at breakfast this morning.

“These people are paid well above the minimum wage, have all the tips and free food.

“Unfortunately this counts for very little as they are immune to the damage they inflict on a small business.

“Especially one like ours who are struggling to survive in any event.

“Please accept our sincere apologies.

“Kind regards Lorenzo and Alessandra and family.”

La Rustica has been approached for comment.