Former Safestyle UK employees to take legal action
Over 120 former employees of Safestyle UK have contacted us to take legal action after they were made redundant with no consultation.
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.
Tony Rippon, Associate Solicitor in our employment team, 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 affected.”
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.
There is no minimum length of service required to make the protective award claim and everyone affected should come forward to enforce their rights. A large number of ex-employees have already been in contact with us and action is to be taken in the near future.
Tony continued: “We will support ex-employees in any way we 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.”
If you or someone you know has been affected, please contact our employment team as quickly as possible on 033 3344 9603 or email [email protected]
