The underlings have meals in a mess (7)

I believe the answer is:

menials

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'the underlings' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'meals in a mess' is the wordplay.
'a mess' indicates anagramming the letters.
'meals'+'in'='mealsin'
'mealsin' with letters rearranged gives 'MENIALS'.

'have' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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