Staff at SOS Wholesale, which has gone into administration, are seeking a payout after solicitors have taken up their legal challenge.
The discount delivered wholesaler – which supplied consumer goods to convenience, discount, independent, major multiple and garden centre retailers in the UK and Ireland – ceased trading earlier this month. The majority of its 100 employees have been made redundant.
Pearson Solicitors & Financial Advisers said it was working with “concerned employees” to review the redundancy process and assess whether the legal requirements for consultation were met.
The law firm is engaging with over 30 members of staff, advising on potential protective award claims. If it is found that the correct redundancy processes were not followed, this could result in compensation of up to 90 days’ gross pay, according to Pearson.
“It’s early days but if employers did not consult with the appropriate representatives, then any staff made redundant may potentially make a claim,” said Pearson partner and employment solicitor Alan Lewis. “If you lose your job through administration every penny counts.
“More and more we are seeing SMEs across all sectors struggling and sadly some of them are having to shut up shop. This of course has a major impact on the workforce and if employees are told they are losing their jobs with immediate effect they can make a claim. Proper redundancy consultation must be followed no matter how big or small the company.
“We are in the early stages of investigating these claims and advising the staff on their options,” Lewis added.
It follows news last week that SOS Wholesale’s sister company, The Soft Drinks Company, had appointed former SOS Wholesale MD Vipin Patara as its new MD.
Every member of the SOS Wholesale sales and telesales teams have also joined the business.
Interpath has been contacted for comment.
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