Morrish Solicitors is preparing to take legal action against Safestyle UK on behalf of a large number of employees, who were made redundant when the Bradford-based company was placed into administration.
Double glazing retailer and manufacturer, Safestyle UK, entered administration on 30 October 2023. Trading ceased immediately and around 680 redundancies were made without any advance warning.
Morrish Solicitors, a specialist employment law firm based in West Yorkshire, says that as a result, staff who lost their jobs could each be awarded up to 90 days’ pay by an Employment Tribunal if they make a protective award claim.
Tony Rippon, Associate Solicitor at Morrish Solicitors, said: “This is sad news for local Yorkshire industry and a devastating time for ex-employees and their families. Unfortunately, we’re seeing a rise in the number of redundancies in the current climate, particularly in the manufacturing industry. These are always very worrying times for the staff effected.”
“Morrish Solicitors will support ex-employees in any ways they can as a result of what has happened. From the information received, it seems Safestyle UK hasn’t complied with its legal obligations to inform and consult in good time before making redundancies. This means staff made redundant may be able to secure an Employment Tribunal award of up to 90 days’ gross pay. This is known as a protective award.”
“If a protective award claim is successful, some of the compensation awarded can be recovered from the Insolvency Service out of the National Insurance Fund, which will pay up to 8 weeks’ pay (subject to weekly pay limits). If anyone wants to know more, or has any queries about their entitlements generally, they shouldn’t hesitate to contact us.”
Morrish has advised that there is no minimum length of service required to make the protective award claim and calls on all of those affected to come forward to enforce their rights. Large numbers of ex-employees have already been in contact with Morrish and action is to be taken in the near future.
Anyone affected should contact Morrish Solicitors’ employment team as quickly as possible on 033 3344 9603 or email info@morrishsolicitors.com
