Insolvent employer success for GMB member

5 January 2022 Download as PDF

Mr Rodrigues was employed as Head Housekeeper before learning that his employer’s business would be shut down immediately, terminating his employment. Shortly after the business closed the GMB member also learned that his former employer’s business was now in compulsory liquidation, all of this came as quite a shock and thanks to his GMB union membership he was offered legal assistance.

Mr Rodrigues was owed a redundancy payment, notice pay, arrears in wages and holiday pay. GMB Union’s law firm, Unionline, ensured that the member managed to secure what he deserved.

James Cooper, solicitor at trade union law firm, Pattinson and Brewer Solicitors, managed the member’s case ensuring that they were able to claim back over £5,000.00 in compensation. The member was assisted in claiming through the redundancy payments service from funds out of the National Insurance Fund.

James Cooper, Solicitor of Pattinson and Brewer said, “After nearly 10 years of continuous employment the member was left with no job and no money. It was clear that his employer had no intention of offering the member money he was owed. It was a lengthy process, owing largely to the difficulties with insolvency proceedings and the global coronavirus pandemic, but we got there in the end and the member was thrilled to get was they rightly deserved.”

Mr Rodrigues was grateful for his GMB membership and said, “Without the help from my solicitor I would not have known how to claim the money I received back, thank you James at Pattinson and Brewer Solicitors.”

Adrian Baker, GMB Regional Organiser said, “I am very pleased that GMB have managed to support our members when required through recent difficult times, especially in an instance like this. It is a sad fact that many individuals have found themselves facing a job loss without such support, and through no fault of their own, may not have questioned what they have been presented by their employer.

“This incident clearly shows that, as always, each and every individual employee’s trade union membership, no matter where they work, is a vital part of their go-to toolkit in addressing problems during their working life”.

If you unfortunately lose your job as a result of your employer’s insolvency, there are options for recovering money that you may be owed. Contact your GMB representative without delay. Some types of pay you may be owed include the following (non-exhaustive):