The owner of a Papa Johns franchise fired a 'starving' teen worker on the spot after he asked for a free pizza while working overtime. Lawson Callaghan messaged his manager to see if he could get some free food on shift at the pizzeria in Caerphilly, Wales, on Friday September 2.

The 17-year-old, who was already working past his finishing time, explained he couldn't afford to pay for the pizza - but was told by his boss to stop "looking for handouts" and "feeling sorry for himself". The owner then sacked him on the spot before boasting about his own fortune and calling him a "loser", screenshots of their text conversation reveal.

Papa Johns UK has since confirmed it is looking into the incident, but said could not comment further until the investigation is complete. The restaurant manager has also not commented, according to the Mirror.

The teenager had started the job about a month ago and was on the minimum wage rate for 16 to 17-year-olds (£4.81). He texted the owner at around 10pm to ask if he could have a medium margherita for free, as he was "starving" and had expected to finish work at 9pm.

Lawson said that while employees weren't given free food on shift, they were allowed to have 50% off food. He said he had asked for a free meal as a one-off as he had no money and hadn't had a payday yet.

Lawson Callaghan asked his manager for a free pizza while working overtime - but was told no.
Lawson Callaghan asked his manager for a free pizza while working overtime - but was told no. 
The teen was told to 'stop looking for handouts'.
The teen was told to 'stop looking for handouts'. 

But the owner replied that he was "confused" by the request, and asked why he should pay for the teenager's food, which would have cost £8 with the employee discount.

After Lawson pointed out he was on a low wage and had no transport cover, the owner wrote: "I was paid £3 an hour when I started at 16 and built my business. Your (sic) really rubbing me up the wrong way. Stop looking for discount (sic) and handouts and feeling sorry for yourself because of the cost of travel.

"I paid £15 today to get to and from work and got paid 0. Make your money what your (sic) owed for the hours you work and stop trying to get hand outs!"

The manager replied telling Lawson not to 'disturb him again'.
The manager replied telling Lawson not to 'disturb him again'. 
He says he was fired on the spot.
He says he was fired on the spot. 

After Lawson pointed out that the owner was on a lower wage ten years ago because inflation has since risen, the owner said the teenager was "taking the p***" out of him, told him to pay for the pizza himself and said "don't disturb me again". After Lawson proceeded to complain that the employees' rotas are given last minute, they're on minimum wage and the time they are allowed to leave work is at the manager's discretion, he said the owner sacked him on the spot.

In the remainder of the conversation, he appeared to brag about his wealth, saying he is "worth a s*** load", while also mocking Lawson for not having enough money. "I pay what I want. I pay myself 8k a week as I have 4 shops looking to buy 4 more soon. Your (sic) a loser good luck boy!" the owner wrote.