Gloucester-based Complete Utilities staff say company failed to consult over redundancy process

Former employees affected by the collapse of utilities supplier Gloucester-based Complete Utilities are looking to pursue legal action against the company over claims the redundancy process wasn’t properly managed, according to law firm Atticus Law.

Based in Gloucestershire, and with their HQ at Overton Farm just outside of Gloucester, Complete Utilities made the shock announcement of its collapse on October 31.

A number of former employees have now instructed Manchester-based law firm Aticus Law to look into the claims that the company failed to consult with staff over the redundancies, with a view to pursuing legal action against them over how the process was managed.

If successful, those involved in the challenge will be entitled to claim a protective award which is up to eight weeks’ worth of pay in compensation, with a cap of £538 per week.

Mohammed Balal of Atticus Law has urged others who have been affected by the collapse of Complete Utilities to ensure their job title was included in the legal action, and by checking whether they are eligible to make a claim.

He said: “The collapse of Complete Utilities will have come as a real blow to those who have been made redundant as a result.

“While many people think that as the business has collapsed there is nothing that can be done, those affected actually have the right to hold the company accountable.

"Under the current employment law if a business is making more than 20 employees redundant at one establishment, they must follow the correct consultation process.

“We are still in the very early stages of understanding what exactly happened in this instance, however, based on what our clients are telling us this did not happen at Complete Utilities.”

Mohammed went on to explain that his firm is now investigating whether there are grounds to claim for a protective award, which is basically compensation awarded by an employment tribunal if an employer fails in its duties.

He added: “It’s a really vital safety net for so many families in fast-paced redundancy situations that often leave them with no source of income and absolutely no notice.

“However, many people don’t realise that you can only get a Protective Award payment if you are included as part of the claim and are listed as part of the schedule of claimants attached to the tribunal judgment.

“You can’t simply watch from the side-lines while ex-colleagues take the legal challenge forward. It’s important to make sure your name and specific job title is included.”